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Hayward
Determined to give it their all and bring the remaining opponent down, Medeo and Forteo watch Clefairy carefully while her fingers keep on ticking. As the glow overtakes her body, both your Pokémon kick in their Protective abilities, each summoning a green spherical force field to withstand any offence that comes their way. The three of you look on while Clefairy continues shining like a clear rainbow, before forming a Barrier of her own in front of her, indication of her own increased defences. With the passing of Clefairy's technique, your Meditite and Pineco feel their own protection fizzling out without having properly kicked in for usage, shaking their heads as the feeling wears off. Gritting expressions at Clefairy, Forteo is first to move, charging in a Rapid Spin; his intense speed tearing up the vines holding his health hostage. Rattling into Clefairy by the side, he relentlessly batters the pink fairy, nudging her in place against her responsive flailing as Medeo aims a third Psychic blast from another angle. The focused spectrum of mental power curves to smash into its target while leaving Forteo unharmed, causing Clefairy to once again flop about the deck not unlike the doll modelled after it.

Weakly getting to her little feet, Clefairy barely attempts a few steps forward before Medeo lobs a Vacuum Wave her way; the priority technique slapping into her face and knocking her next to Forteo, who crunches a chunk out of Clefairy with his vermicious Bug Bite. Surrounded by damage all around, Clefairy tears her arm free from Forteo's unseen teeth, stepping unsteadily for a while before her pain and exhaustion synapses finally kick in fully, leaving her just fit enough to trip over her own feet, landing facefirst and failing to recover. Level up for Medeo and Forteo.

Heaving noticeably after the battle, Medeo and Forteo look to you with tired grins on their faces, but what immediately catches your attention next is the forms of Ikira and her male battle partner, both of whom have, throughout the entire exchange, somehow not issued orders to their Pokémon. The scenario of their defeat appears to trigger the same green glow earlier to surround their bodies, and before you can say anything else the pair abruptly collapse onto their knees, falling to the ground like stringless marionettes.

Alarmed, you make your way over, checking on their conditions, but aside from the glow fiercely burning about them their countenances are as lifeless as ever, albeit looking a little pained, likely from their defeat. A sickening lurch moves through you as you have a hunch just what the celestial quadruped meant by keys -- chances are, they're the ones lying comatose in front of you...

Grey-green eyes narrowed in anticipation, Ben watched as the events of the battle rapidly spiraled to a climax. His strategy was working; Medeo’s cover-fire, combined with Forteo’s in-your-face fighting-style, was beginning to overwhelm Clefairy. Unable to even get off an attack, the chubby pink Fairy weakly toppled to the floor in defeat and Ben breathed out a grateful sigh that the battle was finally over.

As Clefairy went down, Medeo immediately turned to Ben. The Meditite’s little chest rose and fell as he took deep panting breaths, trying to get his wind back. A look of satisfaction spread across his tiny face. Forteo beamed cheerfully beside him. “Brilliant work, mates!” Ben praised his friends before returning their grins. The trio let out a shout and danced around happily. Their joyful celebration was short lived however, as just then, Ikira and the blue-haired boy unexpectedly crumpled to the ground. The green aura Ben had seen earlier had returned and mysteriously bathed the bodies of the two fallen trainers in its eerie light.

Ben bolted in shock at what he saw and rushed to the side of the comatose twosome. Medeo was beside his trainer in an instant, while Forteo bounded over and joined them surprisingly quickly. As he knelt before the lifeless forms of the duo, Ben studied their expressions. Something wasn’t right. Other than the slight hint of pain he guessed had been brought on by the battle, he was unable to detect any emotion. The trio gazed in silence at the limp bodies of the prone pair for a few more moments until curiosity finally got the better of Medeo. Slowly reaching out his tiny hand, the impatient Meditite extended a finger, and hesitantly prodded the blue-haired boy’s arm. When nothing happened, the Yoga Pokemon turned to Ben and shrugged apologetically. Forteo simply regarded Ben with a look of utter bafflement on his woody face. This was all beyond him.

Like lightning illuminating the sky above an empty field, a thought suddenly flashed across Ben’s mind. Perhaps the two motionless figures in front of them were what the celestial Pokemon had meant by keys. Ben had a bad feeling that was the case, and he quickly reasoned that they would probably find Kiru and the female Disciple waiting for them at Rapa’s Temple. At least one of the obstacles to saving Lacuna had been overcome; he knew what the keys were… or rather who. But what now? The celestial Pokemon had told him that when he found the keys he would know what to do. Dragging a hand through his short brown hair he thought hard to come up with a plan, but nothing came to him. If only the majestic quadruped had given him more to go on…

Feeling helpless and not knowing what else to do, Ben carefully lifted Ikira’s head off the hard, marble ground. Cradling it gently in his arms, he anxiously stared into her wide sightless eyes, searching for any sign of life. “Ikira…?” he asked uncertainly. “Are you…okay?”

Food Guy
Noticing the opponent's species and elemental type, you promptly deploy Watermelon to handle the mental trickster. A hand goes to your inventory, plucking out a Pok&#233;Ball for timely usage should the opportunity arise, but even as you raise the orb you feel a shiver run through your arm.

"Karmas!" calls the voice of the Sphinx, warm but this time laced with the aura of caution. "Do not stray from your objective, young one. Fall not to the distractions that lie in your way; lest lose your path towards your true goal!"

As your limb continues to tremble, you realise that attempting to capture the Drowzee, wanted and shiny as it is, won't be an appreciated gesture within the walls of the Sphinx. Meanwhile, already focused on creaming this brand new opposition, Watermelon sends a Nasty Plot running through his brain, which Drowzee seems to meet with another inscrutable grin, as a swirling spiral seems to hover about its head. Consulting your Pok&#233;Dex, you're somewhat dismayed to discover that Drowzee had executed a Psych Up in response; your investment required of Watermelon seems to have just made this match that much harder.

Glaring at his foe's unreadable expression, Watermelon taps into his inherited powers of nastiness; a Dark Pulse bursting from the equidistant point between his hands and flying towards the Psychic-type in a torrent of violent purple rings. The series of malicious power cannonballs into Drowzee's gut, sending it tumbling along the ground, but it doesn't take long for Drowzee to recover. All at once, Drowzee begins to yell in an unintelligible babble, at which you glance to Watermelon in confusion. Your Nuzleaf matches your own lack of immediate understanding, but even as you exchange glares you realise Watermelon is a lot more concerned at something else; try as he might he can't seem to get his second Dark Pulse going. Snapping from realisation, you conclude with a jolt that Drowzee just committed Watermelon to the effects of a Torment, thus preventing Watermelon from repeating his techniques immediately.

Too shocked to react and with no other commands to perform, Watermelon fails to notice the Gas wafting towards him, a different hue from the sleepy clouds about you, and by the time you realise it there is nothing you can do as your Grass-type doubles over; his face pained with the effects of Poison. It seems that with the riddles, even the battles have started to toughen up as well...

As Karmas raised his arm, he felt a chill go through it.

"Karmas!" called the voice of the Sphinx, warm but this time laced with the aura of caution. "Do not stray from your objective, young one. Fall not to the distractions that lie in your way; lest lose your path towards your true goal!"

Upon hearing that Karmas realised that even though he wished to capture the shiny Drowzee, it wasn't an action that wouldn't be appreciated within the walls of the Sphinx. Meanwhile Watermelon was focused on defeating his new foe. He sent a Nasty Plot (I actually used Growth but I guess that they do the same thing) through his body, and Drowzee responded by smiling, as a swirling spiral appeared to hover around its head. This action confused Karmas, so after a quick check of his PokeDex he discovered that the Drowzee had used Psych Up, which let Drowzee copy Watermelon's gain.

Watermelon glared at his psychic type opponent before he tapped into his inherited powers of nastiness, releasing a Dark Pulse from between his hands,sending a series of pulsating rings towards Drowzee. The rings slammed into Drowzee's stomach sending it along the ground, though it didn't take very long to recover. Suddenly Drowzee began to yell out incoherent babble, which made Karmas look at Watermelon in confusion. Watermelon had the same look of confusion on on his face, but as the pair exchanged glances Karmas thought that his Nuzleaf was concentrating on something else. Watermelon tried and tried again to execute a Dark Pulse but was unable, then sudden realisation hit Karmas. The Drowzee must have executed a Torment, which meant that Watermelon could no longer repeat his attacks.

In shock, and unable to attack, Watermelon didn't notice a Gas that was floating towards him. It was different colour to the stuff in the room and before Karmas realised that it was different, there was nothing he could have done, while Watermelon doubled over; his face showing pain made by the effects of Poison.

"It's alright Watermelon!" shouted out Karmas.

The grass-type tried to right himself and was able to after a struggle with himself. He gave a defiant glare towards Drowzee before he looked at his trainer for his commands.

"Watermelon start off with a Aqua Ring, followed by a Dark Pulse then finish it off with a Faint Attack!" commanded Karmas.

Hayward
Holding Ikira in your hands, your concerned gaze meets Ikira's spiritless sight, unease filling you as you find no method to ascertain her state of body and mind. With the way her body seems surrounded by fluorescent green, you're not even sure if she's breathing. Momentarily, however, your attention is briefly seized by a glint of light contrast against everything else, and as your eyes peer down you realise that the Lunar Amulet has started to vibrate slightly, apparently from the pure white light shining from its circular surface. Unconsciously raising a hand to hold the amulet amongst your fingers, you suddenly jerk as Ikira's green aura starts to swirl and intensify; energy zephyrs of the strange shade spinning out her and cloaking her form.

Rendered speechless by the display, you can only watch while Ikira's features eventually disappear amongst the singular shroud of colour, as though -- in fact, you suspect that it isn't a dream sequence -- she was being transformed into the very energy mass before you. To your side, you notice that the other Saros boy has also been replaced by another glowing pile of cloudy power. Abruptly rising from your hand, the Lunar Amulet shines the brightest you've ever seen it, and at this the pair of green energy masses suddenly curl up into miniature cyclones, irradiating peculiar light of their own as they arc towards the moon-inspired artifact about your neck. Feeling the string tug into your skin slightly, you gaze in awe and shock as the green gas dives into the amulet like water down a sink; your hair waving from the moving winds generated by the flowing energies. Medeo and Forteo stare up at you, not knowing how to react as the remaining puffs of green vanish through the disc, causing you to lurch back shortly as the pulling on your neck ceases. Hand shaking, you pick up the Lunar Amulet again for another look; while nothing else seems different you notice that some of the white glow generated by the Amulet earlier is now causing the white part of the changing image to faintly shine. Glancing back to Medeo and Forteo, you share their sudden shocked expressions as they find their injuries and exhaustion alleviating from the same glow that earlier recharged them, which quickly dims out of sight once apparent optimal state has been attained.

Uneasily you press the Amulet to your chest. There's no question as to what it was meant by keys, but this resolution still leaves more queries behind than ones answered -- including a good number which you find you're not sure if you've the heart to answer. However, the lack of resolution also means that there isn't any choice beyond heading for Rapa's Temple, the first destination you had in mind when you started this journey. Silently hoping you're doing the right thing, you return Medeo and Forteo to their respective Pok&#233;Balls before making your urgent departure from the Moon Temple.

***

In normal circumstances, you probably wouldn't have dreamed of running through the forests of Lacuna, especially not in such dark, nightly conditions. Nonetheless, you find yourself racing through the route you just barely recall in your mind, from centuries in the future that is your present, spooked out more by how relentlessly quiet everything is. It's as though the very life of Lacuna was sucked out of the ancient civilisation, and with this pounding through your brain you forcibly accelerate your advance, breaking into the parameters of Rapa's Temple. Astonishingly, you find that in addition to the blue atmospheric light shining on the other religious establishment and the red glow emanating from the temple's silhouette, the bridge you had seen broken in the present appears in front of you without so much as a scratch, and the deep blue waters of the lake glimmer in reflection of the shining spectrums. The temple must have sustained further damage in the time that passed between your past and present coordinates in space-time, you realise. Shaking all other distractions from your head, you thunder over the wooden structure, dashing up the steps leading into Rapa's Temple in accordance to the crimson swirls leading you, as did the chartreuse ones before.

While Rapa's Temple is likewise built out of stone as is Saros', the differences between the two locations is rather stark. The workmanship of Rapa's Temple is a lot grittier; the walls' bricklaying distinct like that of an average brick wall you might see in a city in your time. Sharp, piercing paintings adorn the surfaces, of the holy creature you earlier saw, the wraithlike form who floated above the forum, and the same moon-resembling Pok&#233;mon, alongside what appear to be stories of legend and history. Lichens and webs line the stone, and while the place doesn't look like it's in dilapidation you can't help wonder what it is that Rapa's practitioners could be doing. Had you gone with Kiru instead of Ikira, you might have caught a glimpse into Rapa's world, but for now there seems to be no chance of that.

Led on by the red energy, you reach another gigantic chamber after a small labyrinth of going through passages; this one with stone platforms in the shape of a Pok&#233;Ball's outlines, above a deep pool of water with its surface at least five metres below from where you stand. Where the Pok&#233;Ball's proverbial release switch might have been is another staircased stand like in the Moon Temple's main hall, and as you guessed earlier Kiru and the girl you earlier battled in the forum are already waiting. Staring ahead as you near them, as unresponsive as Ikira and the other boy when you entered the Moon Temple, the two Rapan adolescents flourish a pair of Pok&#233;Balls from their cloaks; a Murkrow and Totodile bursting from the capture orbs...

Hayward
Holding Ikira in your hands, your concerned gaze meets Ikira's spiritless sight, unease filling you as you find no method to ascertain her state of body and mind. With the way her body seems surrounded by fluorescent green, you're not even sure if she's breathing. Momentarily, however, your attention is briefly seized by a glint of light contrast against everything else, and as your eyes peer down you realise that the Lunar Amulet has started to vibrate slightly, apparently from the pure white light shining from its circular surface. Unconsciously raising a hand to hold the amulet amongst your fingers, you suddenly jerk as Ikira's green aura starts to swirl and intensify; energy zephyrs of the strange shade spinning out her and cloaking her form.

Rendered speechless by the display, you can only watch while Ikira's features eventually disappear amongst the singular shroud of colour, as though -- in fact, you suspect that it isn't a dream sequence -- she was being transformed into the very energy mass before you. To your side, you notice that the other Saros boy has also been replaced by another glowing pile of cloudy power. Abruptly rising from your hand, the Lunar Amulet shines the brightest you've ever seen it, and at this the pair of green energy masses suddenly curl up into miniature cyclones, irradiating peculiar light of their own as they arc towards the moon-inspired artifact about your neck. Feeling the string tug into your skin slightly, you gaze in awe and shock as the green gas dives into the amulet like water down a sink; your hair waving from the moving winds generated by the flowing energies. Medeo and Forteo stare up at you, not knowing how to react as the remaining puffs of green vanish through the disc, causing you to lurch back shortly as the pulling on your neck ceases. Hand shaking, you pick up the Lunar Amulet again for another look; while nothing else seems different you notice that some of the white glow generated by the Amulet earlier is now causing the white part of the changing image to faintly shine. Glancing back to Medeo and Forteo, you share their sudden shocked expressions as they find their injuries and exhaustion alleviating from the same glow that earlier recharged them, which quickly dims out of sight once apparent optimal state has been attained.

Uneasily you press the Amulet to your chest. There's no question as to what it was meant by keys, but this resolution still leaves more queries behind than ones answered -- including a good number which you find you're not sure if you've the heart to answer. However, the lack of resolution also means that there isn't any choice beyond heading for Rapa's Temple, the first destination you had in mind when you started this journey. Silently hoping you're doing the right thing, you return Medeo and Forteo to their respective PokéBalls before making your urgent departure from the Moon Temple.

***

In normal circumstances, you probably wouldn't have dreamed of running through the forests of Lacuna, especially not in such dark, nightly conditions. Nonetheless, you find yourself racing through the route you just barely recall in your mind, from centuries in the future that is your present, spooked out more by how relentlessly quiet everything is. It's as though the very life of Lacuna was sucked out of the ancient civilisation, and with this pounding through your brain you forcibly accelerate your advance, breaking into the parameters of Rapa's Temple. Astonishingly, you find that in addition to the blue atmospheric light shining on the other religious establishment and the red glow emanating from the temple's silhouette, the bridge you had seen broken in the present appears in front of you without so much as a scratch, and the deep blue waters of the lake glimmer in reflection of the shining spectrums. The temple must have sustained further damage in the time that passed between your past and present coordinates in space-time, you realise. Shaking all other distractions from your head, you thunder over the wooden structure, dashing up the steps leading into Rapa's Temple in accordance to the crimson swirls leading you, as did the chartreuse ones before.

While Rapa's Temple is likewise built out of stone as is Saros', the differences between the two locations is rather stark. The workmanship of Rapa's Temple is a lot grittier; the walls' bricklaying distinct like that of an average brick wall you might see in a city in your time. Sharp, piercing paintings adorn the surfaces, of the holy creature you earlier saw, the wraithlike form who floated above the forum, and the same moon-resembling Pokémon, alongside what appear to be stories of legend and history. Lichens and webs line the stone, and while the place doesn't look like it's in dilapidation you can't help wonder what it is that Rapa's practitioners could be doing. Had you gone with Kiru instead of Ikira, you might have caught a glimpse into Rapa's world, but for now there seems to be no chance of that.

Led on by the red energy, you reach another gigantic chamber after a small labyrinth of going through passages; this one with stone platforms in the shape of a PokéBall's outlines, above a deep pool of water with its surface at least five metres below from where you stand. Where the PokéBall's proverbial release switch might have been is another staircased stand like in the Moon Temple's main hall, and as you guessed earlier Kiru and the girl you earlier battled in the forum are already waiting. Staring ahead as you near them, as unresponsive as Ikira and the other boy when you entered the Moon Temple, the two Rapan adolescents flourish a pair of PokéBalls from their cloaks; a Murkrow and Totodile bursting from the capture orbs...

Ikira? Ben asked hesitantly. Are you…okay?

No sooner had he asked the question than he noticed a faint trace of light mingling with the eerie green aura of the comatose girl he gently cradled in his arms. Glancing down at his chest, he bolted in shock as he discovered that the twinkle was coming from none other than the medallion he had looped around his neck. The Lunar Amulet! Of course! In all the excitement of the battle against Ikira and her partner, he had completely forgotten the gift the dazzling Pokemon had bestowed upon him. Instinctively, he reached for the two-tone trinket. As he held it in the palm of his hand, Ben bolted again when he saw the iridescent emerald glows surrounding Ikira and her partner intensify to a blinding degree. Right before his grey-green eyes, the fallen trainers dematerialised, while Ben opened and closed his mouth a few times to say something, but no words would come out. At his side, eyes wide and mouths agape, his Pokemon partners also stared disbelievingly at the amazing sight directly in front of them. In the blink of an eye, the lifeless trainers were swallowed up by the Lunar Amulet in a tornado of light and energy.

The Lunar Amulet fell to his chest and Ben half-expected it to feel heavier. It didn’t. Unsteadily, he grasped the mystical artifact for the second time and noticed that the only difference was that now, the white portion looked nearly radiant. Out of the corner of his eye, Ben spied the same restorative light he had seen earlier wash over Medeo and Forteo. The pair wore shocked expressions at the first sensation of healing, but once they had realized that their fitness had been restored, they shared a satisfied smile. Questions swirled inside Ben’s head as he let go of the amulet and reached into his borrowed, fibre totebag. There was no time to answer them now he knew. His curiosity would just have to wait. It was clear to him what he had to do. Aiming the exhumed Pokeballs at his two tiny comrades, he returned them and set off at a trot for Rapa’s Temple.

Ben pushed aside leafy foliage as he raced headlong through the nightdark jungle along a path he was surprised he remembered, having only traveled it once before arriving in ancient Lacuna. Along the way, it struck him as odd that he hadn’t heard the usual chirping of Bug-types hiding in the grass, nor the characteristic rustle of nocturnal Pokemon out on their midnight hunts. There wasn’t even a breeze. All around him, emptiness and stillness reigned, and Ben was shocked at how lifeless this once-thriving civilization had become. Shaking his head he tried to rid himself of the desperation beginning to creep in and picked up his pace.

Illuminated by a scarlet glow, the massive stone temple suddenly came into view, and Ben was startled to see that the bridge, dilapidated in the future, was in perfect condition in the past. He rushed right across the wooden structure without pausing to admire its ancient craftsmanship however, and in his haste, took the steps to the inner sanctum three at a time. Sprinting down the lichen-lined central corridor, he vaguely noticed the cobwebs, furnishings, and folklore carvings that adorned the brick walls. The read beam of light directed him to a cavernous chamber housing a round, raised platform above a dark pool of water. Ben glanced quickly into its depths, but was unable to see the bottom. Looking to the platform, he saw what he had expected to find here all along, Kiru and the female disciple; wearing emotionless expressions. In front of them a Totodile and Murkrow had already adopted fighting stances.

Having anticipated this meeting, Ben wasn’t in the least bit surprised and wasted no time in sending out his own companions. “Look sharp, mates!” he warned, releasing the Meditite and Pineco onto the field of battle. “Team work now -- Medeo, BULK UP and go after Murkrow with ICE PUNCH! Be ready to dodge at any moment with DOUBLE TEAM if one of them tries to attack you!” he instructed. Turning to the Bagworm Pokemon, Ben continued. “Forteo, RAPID SPIN into Totodile right away, then BIDE your time until one of them comes after you!”

Food Guy
Cringing lightly from the toxins running about his systems, Watermelon manages to call up another Aqua Ring for the match; the globulous arcs of healing water reappearing around him to soothe his damage over time. While this happens, however, Drowzee comes scampering towards your Nuzleaf, its rotund gut wobbling as it does so, and before Watermelon can respond in time the Hypnosis Pok&#233;mon catapults itself into a full-bodied Headbutt into Watermelon by the nose, knocking the Grass-type backwards by a good bit. Scrambling to his feet in rage at the attack on his sensitive organ, Watermelon blasts another Dark Pulse in Drowzee's direction, once again unleashing an explosion of the amplified negative energy that has the Psychic-type flopping against the floor.

The sight of Drowzee in more pain than him draws a satisfied sneer from Watermelon, and with a dark aura now surrounding his body he charges forward, ready to deliver what both of you believe is the final coup de grac&#233; for certain. However, as your Nuzleaf draws near Drowzee makes a sudden recovery, pushing a fist forward that shines with green energy, Punching Watermelon in the stomach. Feeling some of his health Drain from the point of contact, Watermelon falters briefly before resuming his onslaught, slamming a Faint Attack into Drowzee and tossing it aside.

Barely able to support itself, Drowzee gives up trying to get on its feet; instead floundering on its belly to realign itself to face you and Watermelon, having retained a shred of health due to its siphoning attack earlier. Waving its arms, Drowzee starts to murmur another series of incoherent babbles, this time with its eyes glinting slightly. Even as you stand, Watermelon suddenly feels heavy on his legs; his eyelids and leaf drooping as his sense of balance begins to waver. Soon enough the effects of Drowzee's Hypnosis and the sleepiness gas about you kick in, causing Watermelon to keel over, fast asleep. Spectrums of blue and purple wash over his form as the Aqua Ring and poison perform their handiwork, and while this happens Drowzee brings its hands forward, beginning to form a ghostly orb between them...

Rapa's Temple[/center]

Lacuna City

Hayward
With your purpose ascertained, you release Medeo and Forteo to do battle once more, giving them commands as Murkrow and Totodile note your own readiness for combat. Sizing up his targeted foe, Medeo heaves up one of his Bulk Up manouvres, toughening up his muscles while Forteo promptly Rapid Spins his way into Totodile. Swooping up into the sky, Murkrow glares down at your Humanshaped Pok&#233;mon, before surprising you as the greater-crested raven spews forth a cloud of Haze from his beak, surrounding Medeo in a shroud of dangerously low visibility. As this happens, Totodile manages to kick Forteo a short distance away, enough for it to cast an angry Leer in Forteo's direction, causing the Pineco to tremble lightly.

Gritting his teeth through the darkness, Medeo taps into the keener sides of his senses, all the while focusing Ice-type energy into his left fist, preparing himself for the Darkness Pok&#233;mon sure to come flying out of the fog. Sure enough, he turns and aims his Punch in a suspected direction, just as Murkrow comes diving down for a Wing Attack, swinging his right flight appendage while he nears. Knuckle meets wing as the two Pok&#233;mon clash, both of them tumbling back soon afterwards as the colliding energies explode between them. Rolling along the relatively thin path to reduce the impact of falling, Medeo steps up to his nimble feet, glaring back at Murkrow while he sets up a Double Team. This time, a trio of Meditite appear behind him, all posed in active formation while Murkrow caws in frustration. The blackbird's eyes turn a furious purple as a Night Shade rips from his irises, striking the furthest Medeo and dispelling the fake into anti-matter particles.

Meanwhile, having put distance between itself and Forteo, Totodile is quick to deal with its new foe, landing a Bite onto Forteo's woody exterior with its sharp jaw. Crying out, Forteo takes a few moments before managing to struggle free, spinning on his bottom as he kicks in his Bide technique, glowing a gentle red of his own against the vermillion aura of the temple. Leaping into the air Totodile's Fangs begin to glow with the power of Ice; twin zigzags of freezing energy tearing towards your Pineco and carving against his epidermis, pushing him dangerously close to the edge and missing it by mere centimetres. Barely able to move as he winces from the damage, Forteo manages a couple of hops as far as the Biding aura can allow him. For now it seems neither side is holding an explicit advantage, but with the field on the Rapans' side this balance could be soon ripped apart...

Hayward
With your purpose ascertained, you release Medeo and Forteo to do battle once more, giving them commands as Murkrow and Totodile note your own readiness for combat. Sizing up his targeted foe, Medeo heaves up one of his Bulk Up manouvres, toughening up his muscles while Forteo promptly Rapid Spins his way into Totodile. Swooping up into the sky, Murkrow glares down at your Humanshaped Pok&#233;mon, before surprising you as the greater-crested raven spews forth a cloud of Haze from his beak, surrounding Medeo in a shroud of dangerously low visibility. As this happens, Totodile manages to kick Forteo a short distance away, enough for it to cast an angry Leer in Forteo's direction, causing the Pineco to tremble lightly.

Gritting his teeth through the darkness, Medeo taps into the keener sides of his senses, all the while focusing Ice-type energy into his left fist, preparing himself for the Darkness Pok&#233;mon sure to come flying out of the fog. Sure enough, he turns and aims his Punch in a suspected direction, just as Murkrow comes diving down for a Wing Attack, swinging his right flight appendage while he nears. Knuckle meets wing as the two Pok&#233;mon clash, both of them tumbling back soon afterwards as the colliding energies explode between them. Rolling along the relatively thin path to reduce the impact of falling, Medeo steps up to his nimble feet, glaring back at Murkrow while he sets up a Double Team. This time, a trio of Meditite appear behind him, all posed in active formation while Murkrow caws in frustration. The blackbird's eyes turn a furious purple as a Night Shade rips from his irises, striking the furthest Medeo and dispelling the fake into anti-matter particles.

Meanwhile, having put distance between itself and Forteo, Totodile is quick to deal with its new foe, landing a Bite onto Forteo's woody exterior with its sharp jaw. Crying out, Forteo takes a few moments before managing to struggle free, spinning on his bottom as he kicks in his Bide technique, glowing a gentle red of his own against the vermillion aura of the temple. Leaping into the air Totodile's Fangs begin to glow with the power of Ice; twin zigzags of freezing energy tearing towards your Pineco and carving against his epidermis, pushing him dangerously close to the edge and missing it by mere centimetres. Barely able to move as he winces from the damage, Forteo manages a couple of hops as far as the Biding aura can allow him. For now it seems neither side is holding an explicit advantage, but with the field on the Rapans' side this balance could be soon ripped apart...

While things hadn’t gone poorly for Ben and his comrades during the first round, they hadn’t gone particularly well either. Medeo had been dealt a super-effective hit, but backed by his twin clones, still looked pretty fit. Forteo on the other hand, had been the victim of two vicious strikes, and teetered near the brink of the pool, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to unleash his stored energy. The Rapans, however, were fighting on familiar turf and held the home-field advantage. Ben was afraid that a long, drawn out battle would undoubtedly favor their adversaries.

Wasting no time, Ben barked out instructions to his two tiny companions. “Quick, Medeo! Forteo could use your help against Totodile, and your clones might buy you some time! Lay down some rapid cover-fire with an ENERGY BALL!” he directed the Yoga Pokemon. Medeo nodded his understanding and Ben continued, grey-green eyes narrowed in concentration. “After that, go for Murkrow again -- this time with a RETURN, but be ready to defend yourself the second you DETECT any more incoming aerial attacks!”

“Hang in there a little longer, Forteo!” Ben encouraged the patient pinecone. “After you release your stored energy, hit Totodile with a full-body TACKLE, then BUG BITE it while it’s still on the ground!”
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Hayward
Noting Pineco's precarious positioning, the three Medeos appear to nod at your emergency orders, charging up an Energy Ball from between their palms as quickly as they can manage, thrusting the trick set of botanic bombshells over to Totodile as the Big Jaw Pok&#233;mon comes dashing in with mouth wide open for a Bite. The attack comes in time as Totodile is smacked on the jaw from the side, causing it to swerve around somewhat comically before falling over, mere steps away from nudging Forteo over the edge. Relieved for his teammate, Medeo heaves a short sigh, but Murkrow isn't yet willing to let up. Spewing forth another bout of Haze, this time more focused than the last attempt; the dark mist sweeping over Medeo as he and his clones try to withstand the billowing zephyrs. What Medeo doesn't expect, however, is for his remaining two clones to suddenly vanish, and even as he watches Medeos 2 and 3 fade away he feels his muscles start to loosen, as though regaining their original state of strength.

Glaring as the Haze passes, Medeo grits his teeth in anticipation for what's to come, but instead of an aerial attack coming for him a Water Gun comes flying from his front, dousing him with a torrent of liquid and catching him unaware. Spluttering from the surprise strike, Medeo fails to notice the zooming figure of Murkrow heading in and before a recovery can be carried out, Murkrow's Assurance comes crashing in; its effects doubled by the damage shot over by Totodile moments ago. Skidding across the ground Medeo pants while Totodile and Murkrow loom in, raring to land more attacks on Medeo when a laser of translucent red comes cannonballing into Totodile, knocking it face forward to Medeo and Murkrow's surprise. From behind, Forteo comes bounding after the release of his Bide, smacking into Totodile with a Tackle, and while Murkrow is momentarily distracted Medeo leaps up to deliver a Return into Murkrow's face. While Medeo's non-existent level in Beauty Points result in little damage, the feisty Meditite's power is what sends Murkrow flying as he spirals into higher air, before coming back down for a Peck, but this time Medeo is ready and manages to Detect the attack, sidestepping it to allow Murkrow to sweep by harmlessly. Meanwhile, struggling from Forteo's Bug Bite on its hand, Totodile Flailingly tries to extract the knid-like Pok&#233;mon from its upper limb, swinging the Bug-type about dangerously like a toy, before finally managing to wrench Forteo off. The Pineco swings through the air, landing on its head against the stairs on which Riku and the Rapan girl stand like statues, taking a while before managing to turn himself right-side up. Seems that your foes this time are trying to match you move for move here...

Hayward
Noting Pineco's precarious positioning, the three Medeos appear to nod at your emergency orders, charging up an Energy Ball from between their palms as quickly as they can manage, thrusting the trick set of botanic bombshells over to Totodile as the Big Jaw Pok&#233;mon comes dashing in with mouth wide open for a Bite. The attack comes in time as Totodile is smacked on the jaw from the side, causing it to swerve around somewhat comically before falling over, mere steps away from nudging Forteo over the edge. Relieved for his teammate, Medeo heaves a short sigh, but Murkrow isn't yet willing to let up. Spewing forth another bout of Haze, this time more focused than the last attempt; the dark mist sweeping over Medeo as he and his clones try to withstand the billowing zephyrs. What Medeo doesn't expect, however, is for his remaining two clones to suddenly vanish, and even as he watches Medeos 2 and 3 fade away he feels his muscles start to loosen, as though regaining their original state of strength.

Glaring as the Haze passes, Medeo grits his teeth in anticipation for what's to come, but instead of an aerial attack coming for him a Water Gun comes flying from his front, dousing him with a torrent of liquid and catching him unaware. Spluttering from the surprise strike, Medeo fails to notice the zooming figure of Murkrow heading in and before a recovery can be carried out, Murkrow's Assurance comes crashing in; its effects doubled by the damage shot over by Totodile moments ago. Skidding across the ground Medeo pants while Totodile and Murkrow loom in, raring to land more attacks on Medeo when a laser of translucent red comes cannonballing into Totodile, knocking it face forward to Medeo and Murkrow's surprise. From behind, Forteo comes bounding after the release of his Bide, smacking into Totodile with a Tackle, and while Murkrow is momentarily distracted Medeo leaps up to deliver a Return into Murkrow's face. While Medeo's non-existent level in Beauty Points result in little damage, the feisty Meditite's power is what sends Murkrow flying as he spirals into higher air, before coming back down for a Peck, but this time Medeo is ready and manages to Detect the attack, sidestepping it to allow Murkrow to sweep by harmlessly. Meanwhile, struggling from Forteo's Bug Bite on its hand, Totodile Flailingly tries to extract the knid-like Pok&#233;mon from its upper limb, swinging the Bug-type about dangerously like a toy, before finally managing to wrench Forteo off. The Pineco swings through the air, landing on its head against the stairs on which Riku and the Rapan girl stand like statues, taking a while before managing to turn himself right-side up. Seems that your foes this time are trying to match you move for move here...

In Rapa’s temple in the ancient civilization of Lacuna, the trainer Benjamin Hale felt like screaming. First Ikira and her partner, now Kiru and his. Frustration rose in Ben and threatened to bubble over, as he thought how difficult it was to strategise against opponents who never gave battle commands; who never said anything It seemed that every move he tried, his adversaries always had the perfect counterattack. The fate of Lacuna rested with him, though. He realized that he couldn’t let his feelings get the better of him. He had to keep his cool. Letting out a deep sigh, Ben cleared his mind of his irritations and refocused on the battle unfolding in front of his grey-green eyes.

For a moment, he wrestled in his mind with the idea of following the Rapan Disciples’ lead, and just let his Pokemon fight without his directions. He knew it would be a sign of the faith that he had in his comrades, and would show Medeo and Forteo that he trusted them, yet the Meditite and Pineco had no experience in unguided battling, and Ben didn’t feel that now was the best time to find out how they would handle it. Dragging a hand through his short brown hair, he thought hard to come up with a plan. Their opponents were fighting unconventionally, maybe it was time for him to try a new strategy. He surveyed the room again. As his grey-green eyes fell on the pool below the suspended podium, he suddenly had an idea. It might take a round or two to enact, but if Medeo and Forteo could last that long, maybe they could use the pool to their advantage.

“Alright mates, watch yourselves and be ready to defend at any moment with PROTECT if either of you get into trouble this round!” Ben warned his companions. Medeo nodded while Forteo spun around dizzily in acknowledgement. Ben went on, “Forteo, TACKLE Totodile, then try to TAKE DOWN Murkrow into the pool with you, hopefully the water will ease some of the recoil damage!”

Turning to the Yoga Pokemon, Ben instructed, “Medeo, use your SECRET POWER to help Forteo drive Murkrow into the pool!” Once again Medeo nodded his understanding, and Ben issued further instructions to the small Meditite. “After that, I want you to dive into the pool and join Forteo. Make an AQUA RING out of the water droplets to restore some of your energy!”

Hayward
Gritting your teeth while trying to maintain what edge you still possess in the match, you relay further commands to your own twosome in a bid to regain the advantage over the silent Rapan pair. Dedicatedly, Forteo performs a Tackle towards Totodile, pushing off the pedestal to bean into the small reptile's stomach, while Medeo leaps into the air while shining with Secret Power, kicking into Murkrow while in mid-flight. Squawking, Murkrow tries to make for a comeback, but as the remnants of Medeo's aura sink into the avian's skin you notice Murkrow's wings begin to tense up, almost as though in paralysis. Wincing slightly as Totodile lands a Scratch on him, Forteo goes into his ballistic mode once more; jumping into the air to Take Down Murkrow even as it struggles, landing on the bird's head and bringing himself along with it, plummeting into the depths of the pooling waters five metres below where you stand. Jolted by concern you peer over the edge anxiously as Medeo follows Forteo's lead, performing a three-point dive into the deep moat, and from your vantage point you can briefly see Murkrow flailing and cawing wildly; its unaquatic anatomy and impeded movement endangering it heavily as Forteo and Medeo tread water as best they can.

Tapping into the waters around him, Medeo begins to concentrate, forming some of the dark, yet clear liquid about into Aqua Rings to restore health in passing time, but before you realise it Totodile has lunged past you, heading straight for your Meditite. Unable to shout a warning in time you can only watch as Totodile's Dive smacks Medeo straight on the tip of his head, plunging both of them into a frothing wave. Heart-stopping moments pass as Medeo and Totodile finally recover; the former spluttering from the surprise attack while Forteo glares at the offending croc. Snapping its jaws, Totodile appears to wave its arms, and before you know it the surface of the water starts to rise towards you, much to your surprise, and instinctively you fall to the floor as the water arcs into a wave, crashing down all about you in a tremendous splash.

Picking yourself up from Totodile's Surf, you almost dare not to observe what's happened to your Pok&#233;mon when you sight a pair of familiar barriers surrounding your Pok&#233;mon; as the last of the water drips down the Protect spheres the safety shields dissipate into fragmented energy, revealing Medeo and Forteo to be unharmed by the wave. Murkrow, even Totodile stands nonchalantly nearby, is clearly in less-than-favourable condition: having dealt with paralysis and nearly drowning, the barely breathing Murkrow doesn't look as though it can handle much more of the action you've been dispensing...

Hayward
Gritting your teeth while trying to maintain what edge you still possess in the match, you relay further commands to your own twosome in a bid to regain the advantage over the silent Rapan pair. Dedicatedly, Forteo performs a Tackle towards Totodile, pushing off the pedestal to bean into the small reptile's stomach, while Medeo leaps into the air while shining with Secret Power, kicking into Murkrow while in mid-flight. Squawking, Murkrow tries to make for a comeback, but as the remnants of Medeo's aura sink into the avian's skin you notice Murkrow's wings begin to tense up, almost as though in paralysis. Wincing slightly as Totodile lands a Scratch on him, Forteo goes into his ballistic mode once more; jumping into the air to Take Down Murkrow even as it struggles, landing on the bird's head and bringing himself along with it, plummeting into the depths of the pooling waters five metres below where you stand. Jolted by concern you peer over the edge anxiously as Medeo follows Forteo's lead, performing a three-point dive into the deep moat, and from your vantage point you can briefly see Murkrow flailing and cawing wildly; its unaquatic anatomy and impeded movement endangering it heavily as Forteo and Medeo tread water as best they can.

Tapping into the waters around him, Medeo begins to concentrate, forming some of the dark, yet clear liquid about into Aqua Rings to restore health in passing time, but before you realise it Totodile has lunged past you, heading straight for your Meditite. Unable to shout a warning in time you can only watch as Totodile's Dive smacks Medeo straight on the tip of his head, plunging both of them into a frothing wave. Heart-stopping moments pass as Medeo and Totodile finally recover; the former spluttering from the surprise attack while Forteo glares at the offending croc. Snapping its jaws, Totodile appears to wave its arms, and before you know it the surface of the water starts to rise towards you, much to your surprise, and instinctively you fall to the floor as the water arcs into a wave, crashing down all about you in a tremendous splash.

Picking yourself up from Totodile's Surf, you almost dare not to observe what's happened to your Pokémon when you sight a pair of familiar barriers surrounding your Pokémon; as the last of the water drips down the Protect spheres the safety shields dissipate into fragmented energy, revealing Medeo and Forteo to be unharmed by the wave. Murkrow, even Totodile stands nonchalantly nearby, is clearly in less-than-favourable condition: having dealt with paralysis and nearly drowning, the barely breathing Murkrow doesn't look as though it can handle much more of the action you've been dispensing...

Water dripped from Ben’s white, ceremonial robe as the tidal wave finally subsided. “You alright, mates?!” he asked hesitantly. Medeo and Forteo smiled at him in response, as their energy shields dissolved into nothingness. Ben let out a grateful breath as he stood and glanced toward their opponents. Of the two zombie-like Pokemon, Totodile appeared the fittest, coolly awaiting the next round. Murkrow, however, was a different story. It looked to Ben like a Magikarp’s Splash would be enough to take down the darkbird.

Now was the time to try to finish things off. Medeo and Forteo looked at Ben expectantly, awaiting their orders. Wasting no time, Ben quickly called out instructions to his tiny comrades. “Teamwork now!” he hollered. “Medeo, pick up Forteo and FLING him at Murkrow. Forteo, while you’re flying through the air, RAPID SPIN to increase your momentum and TAKE DOWN Murkrow once and for all. Medeo, go after Totodile with an ENERGY BALL and THUNDER PUNCH. Forteo, if Totodile is still standing after Medeo attacks, help out with a BUG BITE.” Medeo and Forteo signaled their understanding and readied themselves to battle.

Food Guy
Cringing lightly from the toxins running about his systems, Watermelon manages to call up another Aqua Ring for the match; the globulous arcs of healing water reappearing around him to soothe his damage over time. While this happens, however, Drowzee comes scampering towards your Nuzleaf, its rotund gut wobbling as it does so, and before Watermelon can respond in time the Hypnosis Pokémon catapults itself into a full-bodied Headbutt into Watermelon by the nose, knocking the Grass-type backwards by a good bit. Scrambling to his feet in rage at the attack on his sensitive organ, Watermelon blasts another Dark Pulse in Drowzee's direction, once again unleashing an explosion of the amplified negative energy that has the Psychic-type flopping against the floor.

The sight of Drowzee in more pain than him draws a satisfied sneer from Watermelon, and with a dark aura now surrounding his body he charges forward, ready to deliver what both of you believe is the final coup de gracé for certain. However, as your Nuzleaf draws near Drowzee makes a sudden recovery, pushing a fist forward that shines with green energy, Punching Watermelon in the stomach. Feeling some of his health Drain from the point of contact, Watermelon falters briefly before resuming his onslaught, slamming a Faint Attack into Drowzee and tossing it aside.

Barely able to support itself, Drowzee gives up trying to get on its feet; instead floundering on its belly to realign itself to face you and Watermelon, having retained a shred of health due to its siphoning attack earlier. Waving its arms, Drowzee starts to murmur another series of incoherent babbles, this time with its eyes glinting slightly. Even as you stand, Watermelon suddenly feels heavy on his legs; his eyelids and leaf drooping as his sense of balance begins to waver. Soon enough the effects of Drowzee's Hypnosis and the sleepiness gas about you kick in, causing Watermelon to keel over, fast asleep. Spectrums of blue and purple wash over his form as the Aqua Ring and poison perform their handiwork, and while this happens Drowzee brings its hands forward, beginning to form a ghostly orb between them...

As he cringed, Watermelon summoned up globulous arcs of water, water that would heal him over time. As Watermelon executed his Aqua Ring attack, Drowzee scampered towards the Nuzleaf, and before Watermelon could do anything, it catapulted itself into him for a full-bodied Headbutt straight to the nose and sent him backwards. After he scrambled to his feet, enraged that Drowzee attacked his nose, Watermelon shot out a Dark Pulse towards Drowzee, which sent the psychic-type to the floor.

Watermelon sneered at the pokemon on the floor before he charged forward, a dark aura surrounding him, ready to deal what both he and Karmas thought would be the final blow. But when Watermelon drew towards Drowzee it suddenly punched him in the stomach. As Watermelon felt some of his energy being drained away by the punch he faltered briefly, before he finished executing his Faint Attack, which ended up tossing the psychic-type aside.

With so much damage done to it, Drowzee was having trouble supporting itself. It finally decided to forget trying to get up on its feet and instead flounder on its stomach until it was facing Karmas and Watermelon's direction. Drowzee started to wave its arms and murmured more babbling, but this time its eyes were glinting. Soon Watermelon started to feel drowsy, both his eyes and leaf drooping as he started to stumble about; his sense of balance wavering. Soon the effects of Drowzee's Hypnosis kicked in and Watermelon fell to the ground, sound asleep. Blue and purple washed over the Nuzleaf's body as Aqua Ring and poison took effect, and while this happened Drowzee held its hands over Watermelon, a ghostly orb beginning to form in them.

"No!" screamed Karmas. "There's is no way that I'm letting you attack Watermelon while he's down!"

The trainer unclipped one of pokeballs on his belt and pressed the centre button. It opened up and the sleeping and poison form of Watermelon was sucked in.

"Okay, Dot!" said Karmas. "Get in there! Finish it off with two or three Silver Winds. That should take care of it!"

Hayward
The sight of Murkrow's state of batterment seems to renew confidence in the three of you, and quickly another plan of battle is formulated. With his hands swirling in Dark energy, Medeo picks up his bark-encased teammate before Flinging the living grenade at Murkrow like a sportsman lobbing a Rapidly Spinning football. In his ever-faithful fashion of oscillation, Forteo crashes into Murkrow, sending them both flying into the pedestal staircase. A somewhat sickening crack accompanies Murkrow's breathless caw as his body is slammed between wood and stone, and as Forteo totters away it's clear that Murkrow has been Taken Down for good as far as the current battle is concerned. Medeo grins encouragingly at Forteo for the display of teamwork, but a glint of metallic energy and a swipe to the Meditite's face informs you that the showdown isn't quite over.

Rubbing his face where Totodile's Metal Claw had landed, Medeo is quick to toss up an Energy Ball between his hands, and with insufficient reaction time Totodile takes a left jaw as the Grass-type bomb explodes against its lower mandible. Unsteadily managing to balance itself, Totodile starts to focus Ice in his claw, and Medeo starts to match knuckle for knuckle with Thunder in his fist. As the manifestation of energies complete and both Pokémon lunge at each other, the forces of their Punches clash in mid-air, resulting in a miniature boom that throws both Totodile and Medeo backwards. Grunting both Pokémon try to recover, but even as Medeo gets to his second foot a strangled cry is heard from Totodile along with a familiar crunching noise, and as the crocodile falls back to the floor you see Forteo behind, having apparently executed his Bug Bite in time. In a heap of bruised blueness, Totodile attempts to support itself with its shaking claws, but the accumulated damage from the previous clashes proves too much for the Water-type to bear, and it finally collapses with a thump. Level up for Medeo and Forteo.

"..." As you meet the gazes of the Rapans, you feel as though their wordless, motionless eyes seem to be frowning with the way they bore into you, and as the crimson mist starts surrounding them again both Riku and the girl slink to the floor in a series of crumpling movements. Your lip purses slightly at the sight of the two teens, but you know with a niggling feeling that little else matters at this point except what you've been tasked to perform...

The Isle of Talas

The Sphinx

Food Guy
With Watermelon out for the relevant count and an attack coming straight for him, you quickly retrieve the afflicted Nuzleaf and deploy Dot to do battle in his stead. Spurred on by the urgency in your voice and the situation of her comrade, Dot beats up a Silver Wind from her wings, sending spirals of insectoid zephyrs to meet the Shadow Ball Drowzee grinningly releases. The slicing winds meet the focused bomb of otherworldly air in the middle, cutting into the orb and launching a miniature explosion of furious winds. Taking the chance, Dot valiantly charges into the swirling gasses, her wings shining again with more brimming power, and as you squint into the floating miasma you see a brief storm of glinting particles followed by a yelp from Drowzee.

Almost as soon as the cry is heard, you notice the mists begin to fade -- of sleep, poison, bug and ghost, revealing the eerie purple walls of the third battle chamber, and Dot flitting above the form of the defeated Drowzee. Ahead, a stone slab slides open to show the way ahead, and casting one final look at the alternately coloured Pokémon you join Dot in going down the advancing passage.

A linear charge, lit up by the familiar torches of the Sphinx, soon brings up you the fourth chamber for your riddle, and upon entering the room you notice a rather grumpy-looking Graveler poring over a stone slab.

"You've come, have you?" he says gruffly, briefly glancing at you before returning his attention back to his tablet. "You look like you've done a marathon up Mount Coronet and back, kid. If three riddles is all it takes to wear you out, you might want to consider bailing yourself out now. I hear that victims who fall in the battle sequences end up rather... well, let's just say we couldn't find a small enough sarcophagus to shove them in.

"Just as well you're here, anyway -- I've got your riddle right here, but the blasted thing seems to be broken," Graveler grumbles. "You would have to decipher the Pokémon's identity by the clues describing it left on the stone tablet, but Baltoy and Sableye managed to break the bloomin' thing here and there. As though having to withstand wear and tear for centuries wasn't enough!" huffs the impatient rock.

"Still, if you manage to get the correct answer, the passage should unlock itself. I don't think I need to tell you what'll happen if you don't get this one," he informs, stepping aside to reveal the stone in question. Indeed, in addition to the severe erosion, some of the rock has clearly chipped off in layers and pieces, leaving only the following disjointed words:

Hayward
The sight of Murkrow's state of batterment seems to renew confidence in the three of you, and quickly another plan of battle is formulated. With his hands swirling in Dark energy, Medeo picks up his bark-encased teammate before Flinging the living grenade at Murkrow like a sportsman lobbing a Rapidly Spinning football. In his ever-faithful fashion of oscillation, Forteo crashes into Murkrow, sending them both flying into the pedestal staircase. A somewhat sickening crack accompanies Murkrow's breathless caw as his body is slammed between wood and stone, and as Forteo totters away it's clear that Murkrow has been Taken Down for good as far as the current battle is concerned. Medeo grins encouragingly at Forteo for the display of teamwork, but a glint of metallic energy and a swipe to the Meditite's face informs you that the showdown isn't quite over.

Rubbing his face where Totodile's Metal Claw had landed, Medeo is quick to toss up an Energy Ball between his hands, and with insufficient reaction time Totodile takes a left jaw as the Grass-type bomb explodes against its lower mandible. Unsteadily managing to balance itself, Totodile starts to focus Ice in his claw, and Medeo starts to match knuckle for knuckle with Thunder in his fist. As the manifestation of energies complete and both Pokémon lunge at each other, the forces of their Punches clash in mid-air, resulting in a miniature boom that throws both Totodile and Medeo backwards. Grunting both Pokémon try to recover, but even as Medeo gets to his second foot a strangled cry is heard from Totodile along with a familiar crunching noise, and as the crocodile falls back to the floor you see Forteo behind, having apparently executed his Bug Bite in time. In a heap of bruised blueness, Totodile attempts to support itself with its shaking claws, but the accumulated damage from the previous clashes proves too much for the Water-type to bear, and it finally collapses with a thump. Level up for Medeo and Forteo.

"..." As you meet the gazes of the Rapans, you feel as though their wordless, motionless eyes seem to be frowning with the way they bore into you, and as the crimson mist starts surrounding them again both Riku and the girl slink to the floor in a series of crumpling movements. Your lip purses slightly at the sight of the two teens, but you know with a niggling feeling that little else matters at this point except what you've been tasked to perform...

Unable to battle further, Totodile slumped over, joining the already knocked-out Murkrow, in lying motionless on the raise podium floor. Ben turned to Medeo and Forteo. “Brilliant bit of battling, mates!” he praised his hard-working friends. Forteo swayed merrily from side-to-side and beamed back at him, while Medeo simply nodded his head coolly. “I’m sure both of you could use a breather,” he remarked as he reached into the loaned fibre-tote bag slung over his shoulder. Pulling out two different-colored Pokeballs, he pointed the metallic, steel colored one in Medeo’s direction and the festive, half-red, half-green one at Forteo. “Return,” Ben said as he simultaneously pressed the round toggle switches in the center of both spheres. A sudden flash of scarlet lit the room as Ben’s two tiny comrades dematerialised, and were recalled to the artificial atmosphere of their capture capsules. He quickly stuffed the Pokeballs back into the bag, and turned his attention to the unspeaking disciples of Rapa.

“…”

As his grey-green eyes met the unblinking ones of the silent Rapans, Ben could tell that behind their expressionless faces, they were inwardly condemning him for the decision he had made to accept the Celestial Pokemon’s mission to try to reunite the fractured Lacunan civilization. Ben, however, wasn’t bothered in the least by their opinion of his choice. He had resolved long ago not to worry about what people thought of him. The way he saw it, he didn’t have any other options. There was a job to be done, and the quicker it was over and things returned to normal, the better it would be for everyone.

The staring contest didn’t last for long. A red aura suddenly surrounded Kiru and his companion, and the two began to twitch uncontrollably . Pity filled Ben while he watched as the supernatural seizures overtook the duo and brought them to ground. Even after all that had happened, they still seemed so angry. “Just relax… It’s for your own good,” he remarked calmly. Recalling the events of Saros’s Temple, and anticipating what was to come, he tightly grasped the black-and-white amulet around his neck and held it out over the convulsing bodies of the two dark-robed trainers…

Hayward
Tersely extending the amulet over the two fallen teenagers, you are no longer surprised by the sight of Kiru and the girl melting into the vermillion fog surrounding them, eventually rendered into gaseous form as they spiral towards your sacred trinket. Rumbling as the mists permeate the discus, it doesn't take long for the amulet to rattle strongly at its stage of completion, and as you bring the circle to your eyes for closer inspection you notice that now the dark side of the moon pattern has started to emanate a peculiar miasma of its own, appearing darker as if to match the gleaming white area. Determinedly, you clutch the amulet tightly in your palm, convinced that whatever happens now, you've completed the mission that was set for you, and you do an about-turn to make way for the Lacuna forum.

***

While it's your only your third time through the local forests, and only the second in near pitch-black conditions, the pulse of your heart pumping strongly through you seems to shut down all other forms of distraction and fear. Every fibre of your body is focused on getting to the town centre as soon as possible, where you might finally solve the mystery plaguing the ancient city as far as your own time. A wave of wind seems to wash over you as you finally break through the parameters of the forum; your senses seeming to kick up another notch as they begin to perceive what you can only explain as a strong foreboding of awareness. Coming to a halt at the very epicentre of the open space, you glance down at the Lunar Amulet around your neck -- as though reacting to the target location, the patterns on the flat disc have started to switch between its lunar phases faster than ever, accelerating to the point that the entire object is a blur.

Without warning the discus rips free from the confines of the string about your throat, spinning into the air much like an ordinary coin, except the metallic pecuniary you're familiar with usually doesn't spew out two-toned smoke. The four spirals of coloured gases merge into two, and you sharply remember the bizarre phenomenon you had witnessed only hours ago in this very forum. Sure enough, the masses of mist begin to congeal into the two celestial forms that had earlier clashed in mid-air, and as they fully materialise you notice from their expressions that neither of them has expected this outcome any more than you.

"What is the meaning of this?!" snarls the dark spellcaster. "I was supposed to be readying the troops to do battle... This is more your handiwork, isn't it?!"

"For one, I hardly have hands!" the other entity snaps. "And for two, I should ask you the same question!"

"That's enough, Darkrai, Cresselia. From the both of you." The sound of a third supernatural, yet familiar voice seems to immediately calm your heart as another beam of radiant light descends from the sky, forming a mass of glittering sparkles above you all, and sure enough you recognise the very deity who had sent you on your rescue operation.

"Arceus!" exclaims the crescent creature, before she appears to frown deeply. "You would side... with the likes of him?!"

"Side with me, she says!" retorts the wraith as his smoky hood strongly wavers. "After what she's done to --"

"You two know only so well that I side with no one but the truth." Speaking with no less majesty than before, the quadruped addresses the angry pair before it, but this time you can't help detect a hint of severity in its voice. "Both of you have played these humans, treating them little more than pawns in your games of domination and superiority. You were both meant as symbols, representatives of balance that Lacuna embodies, and now your internal conflict has come to the point that it endangers Lacuna itself!"

"I started it?!" growls Darkrai. "If anyone started this pitiful excuse of a disaster, it's --"

"I said..." As the one known as Arceus rears its head, you somehow know instantly something big is going to happen, but little else prepares you for the following events. "ENOUGH!"

With that final word booming across the sinister atmosphere, you instantly note a peculiar sound reaching your ears, seemingly emanating from Arceus itself. A shiver develops through your body as the music continues; its melancholy, soft yet piercing tone rippling fear in every cell of your body, speaking clearly of untimely death, of innocence lost. Before you know it Darkrai and Cresselia both howl in unison at the sky, clawing desperately for non-existent supports to grab onto, before they crumble to the ground in comatose positions. Breathing heavily you look to the sacred being, not having expected this sort of terrible power.

"You need not worry, Benjamin Hale. My Perish Song[B] was not directed at anyone other than the intended recipients," Arceus explains kindly. "These two will not stay like this forever; it would take more than a fainting episode to end the stuff of legends." As it speaks, you realise that the one of Origin has began descending its way towards you, for a closer face-to-face conversation, and you feel its radiant warmth surround you in brilliance.

"I sense the queries you have within you, Benjamin Hale, and you have a most deserved right to understand," continues Arceus. "Lacuna was, as you might have heard, a community founded with balance in mind. As the moon experiences both light and darkness, so does the city built in its image, and prospers under its light. Cresselia and Darkrai were sent to assist in Lacuna's natural cycle of existence, and as they supported the citizens from behind the scenes, the people came to respect and worship them. Unfortunately, as you see, this led to the harsh competition that culminated in the clash you witnessed.

"I knew, at once, I had to intervene, yet I could not do so without putting the Lacunans at risk, or alternatively subdue one of the two and fail to win over the other. I needed the assistance of someone who had ties through time and space to Lacuna; someone who would be able to bring together the 'keys', whose identity you came to figure out," it adds. "You turned out to be that individual, Benjamin Hale -- millenia ago, a person named Ben much like you lived in this community, sharing a bond of friendship with Ikira of Saros and Kiru of Rapa. With this affinity, you would also be best to seek out their doubles in Lacuna -- for each entity, there lives another emulating their differences; yet without one the other cannot survive. The keys were separate in Rapa and Saros' domains, and only through overcoming them could they be united. It is for this reason that you were chosen, Benjamin Hale, and you carried out your duty with exceptional skill. Now, thanks to your admirable courage and dedication, Lacuna may progress in the way that I had intended, and at this, Benjamin Hale, I bid you farewell."

Not having said a word through this encounter, the news of your sudden departure has you gazing into the eyes of Arceus imploringly -- if anything, you haven't had the chance to say goodbye to the acquaintances you made in this time, but it's too late as a white light emanating from the holy creature consumes you, whiting out your senses like they were at the start of your adventure in time...

***

"Hey, kid! Kid! Wake up!"

The sounds of a girl's voice and the sensation of someone slapping you awake has your eyelids flying open as your vision clears. How long has it been since you were out? And who is this figure crouched above you?...

"...Ikira?" you croak; your voice weaker than you had imagined it would be.

"Ikira? Who's Ikira?" laughs the female, and you slowly realise this voice is different from the Lacunan girl you crossed paths with in the past, as the features above you steady into a face framed with black hair and holding a pair of soft brown eyes. "I'm the great archaeologist, Gisaki Rifiyu!"

"I'm not surprised he's confused, Gisaki, the way you slapped him silly," remarks a nearby male, shaking his head of blue, neck-length hair. "Any more, and you might have readied him enough to be shoved into an exhibit."

"Aw, c'mon, Noel!" Gisaki whines.

"Alright, you two. That's no way to behave around someone who just recovered," chides a third voice, and its owner -- a young woman in her mid-twenties with pink hair, brown eyes and sporting an explorer's outfit much like the young ones walks towards you, kneeling to look you in the face. "I'm Ms. Theria. Are you alright, dear?" Still not too ready for long speech, you settle for nodding in response.

"That's good to hear. I wish we could offer more assistance, but I'm afraid we're rather busy," nods Ms. Theria. "We're on the verge of making new discoveries about the Lacunan civilisation; it seems to have been much more advanced than what we first thought. The first investigation team will be arriving in about an hour's time, and the place will need to be cordoned off for our investigations, but there'll be a supply truck moving back and forth to keep the team prepared. Perhaps you could hitch a ride from them if you'd like, but we must be going. Come along, you two."

As the trio of archaeologists take their leave, you sit up properly for a note of where you are. Catching a sight of the Moon Stone you had touched at the start of your adventure, you realise with a jump that sure enough, you've returned back to your own time -- except, this time, the streets seem to be paved with proper stone and mineral as opposed to dirt, and instead of dilapidated houses the structures about you seem in much better shape -- as though they were simply preserved in sand and sediment, a far cry from the crumbling village you had seen when you first came by.

Did your adventure truly happen though, you ask yourself, and as if in response to your query you feel a strip of warmth at your neck, and bending down you see the black string that held the Lunar Amulet still around your vocal chords. A soft vibration pulses through your bag, alerting you not only to the fact that your normal attire has magically reappeared, but also that something new must have found its way into your inventory. Opening up the haversack and checking its contents, you're astonished to find a new Nugget, a Moon Stone, as well as a shining, pink plate with the following inscribed on its surface in tiny lettering:

When the universe was created, its shards became this Plate. The power of defeated giants infuses this Plate. Two beings of time and space set free from the Original One. Three beings were born to bind time and space. Two make matter and three make spirit, shaping the world. The Original One breathed alone before the universe came. The powers of Plates are shared among Pokémon. The rightful bearer of a Plate draws from the Plate it holds.

Marvelling at the gifts you're certain must have come from Arceus, it might go without saying that your trip to Lacuna has proven its worth after all. Not only that, you've gone on the epic trip of a lifetime, fostered ever closer bonds with your Pokémon, and saved an entire civilisation from an unwarranted tragedy. Picking your items up and standing on your feet, you feel a new surge of confidence rush through you, as though the world was at your fingertips and no accomplishment seemed too far to reach...

And in the worlds of Fizzy Bubbles, you feel that this might very well ring true.

Note: Upon replying to this update, you will be free to leave the Lost Cities of Talas for new adventures elsewhere. It's been a considerable ride of an adventure, and I hope you enjoyed it yourself as much as I did writing it.
*end transmission*

Stark
For a considerable while, Lawrence appears surprised by your response and display of concern, causing awkward silence to fill the alley while you continue gazing at him with quiet intensity, before he raises his head and draws a long sigh.

"You're the first person I've come across to ask about Carolina the way you have," he remarks, weariness distinct in his now mellowed tenor, "It'll be a long story, however; most of which I still don't know the details of... And it seems that night has come upon us earlier than we realised." Looking past the now activated street lamps, you notice as well that the sky has turned dark violet, and even the shadows around you appear to have taken on a sinister presence with the tropospheric change.

"These streets won't be safe at this time, even for experienced trainers -- the thieves here have their own backhanded ways of disabling their targets. Come with me; there's a shortcut from here to my place," beckons Lawrence as he recalls Raticate to its PokéBall, and with little other choice you follow Lawrence as he moves out of the alley. Making various turns and crosses along the paths, Lawrence pauses every now and then to glance around warily, ensuring the clarity of the coast before daring to move on. Soon enough Lawrence comes to a considerably battered door along a line of what appear to be abandoned shophouses, and the young man makes a couple more glances before rapping gently but sharply against the panel.

"Password? Password?" calls a deep, gruff voice from behind.

"I hear someone's been practicing their mimicry skills," Lawrence chuckles, knowingly to himself. "It is not always raining when the Grumpig squeals."

"Lawrence! Lawrence!" A pair of excited voices start to cheer as the door flies back, revealing a Chatot and a boy of about age nine looking excitedly at the older male in question. "Who's that?! Who's that?!" Chatot starts cawing, addressing your presence.

"Calm down, Chatot. He's a friend of ours," explains Lawrence smilingly as he brings you in with him, and as the door shuts behind you two you take a look at the inside of the building -- clearly, it's even more dilapidated than the exterior, looking as though it hasn't been used in years. Webs line the ceiling and corners, while dark grey smudges dot the walls, made stark by a single flickering light bulb dangling from above. Just as you get a general idea of how dank Lawrence's apparent lodging appears to be, you hear another bout of joyous interjection: from the staircase and what you assume to be a kitchen doorway come rushing down a gaggle of young children and Pokémon, grouped in pairs much like the shophouse's own security system duo. Soon enough you and Lawrence are surrounded by the young excitable crowd, and while you try to maintain your balance you're shocked to notice how most of the children are wearing tattered, patched clothes; some of their gear so worn even their patches have new patches sewn over.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Stark. He's a new friend of mine," Lawrence introduces you, once he's got the youngsters to quieten down. "Say hello to Stark, everyone."

"Hello, Stark!" greets the kids in unison, with the Pokémon crying out in their own language to give you the warmest welcome they can manage.

"Big Brother Lawrence?" asks a girl, holding a Chingling in her little arms. "Did you see Big Sister Carolina today?"

The mention of Carolina has Lawrence heave a sigh and scratch his hair, and at once you see a collective gaze of apprehension wash over the youthful congregation. "I'm sorry, everyone," admits Lawrence as he shakes his head. "I saw Carolina today, but... I wasn't able to get her to come back."

"Awwww..." Once again, the children all react as one, bowing their heads in distinct disappointment, and even the Pokémon carrying sad expressions on their various faces.

"Don't worry, everyone. I'm sure we'll be able to ask Carolina to come back to us," promises Lawrence. "And, with luck, Stark may be able to help us out." This bit of news, in addition to startling you, has the effect of exciting the kids once more as they happily cheer with their Pokémon companions.

"Start dinner without me, everyone. I need to talk to Stark for a while. Don't let anyone in; I'll handle the door," states the young man. At once the children and Pokémon go into a flurry of activity -- some start grabbing plates and utensils out of old cabinets placed in convenient spots, while others head to the kitchen in little droves and return with trays of their final meal for the day. While the tots pass by you, happily chattering amongst themselves, you feel your heart sink another notch -- the dinner, on first glance, seems to consist of purely of leftover Berries -- some of them half eaten with evident bite marks, while others look as though they can't possibly be any fresher than four or five days.

"You see for yourself," Lawrence murmurs to you sadly, jolting you from your quiet observations. "The slums are no place to raise Atlas' orphans, but people rarely ever come to the slums except the unwitting and unaware, and hardly anyone knows we even live here behind these walls. This is one part of Atlas nobody ever really sees."

Leading you quietly into a room on the ground level, Lawrence locks the door behind you, inviting you to sit on a worn, yet sturdy chair. "I kept two of these in case we ever had visitors," he says, pulling up a chair of his own. Once you're seated as comfortably as you can, Lawrence gently cracks his knuckles as he begins his tale.

"Not everyone who comes to Atlas comes for tourism," sighs Lawrence. "As moderinsation moved in, we were slowly evacuated from the villages where we used to live. Most of them sought fortunes far away, while others came here to work for local industries. Out of the ones who came to Atlas, though, few ever managed to make ends meet, and the ones who did eventually left for greener pastures. My family came some years ago, but a lack of vacancy forced us to take up shop here -- in the seedier parts of the marketplace.

"Even then it still wasn't so bad; some tourists, intrigued by the bazaar's variety, would pop by and look at the jewellery we made, and other trinkets we fashioned out of local items. However, the landlords were the ones who truly made the situation unbearable, with their unregulated rental demands and deadlines. We saw many a family be driven out or pressured to extremes; some parents were forced to send their children for begging or manual labour, while others surrendered themselves as collateral so their children still had somewhere to go." Biting his lip at this mention, Lawrence continues with a choke in his voice. "In time, though, even these kids were thrown out, with nowhere else to call home, and no parents to turn to. Some of them were so young, they had barely started walking when they were abandoned." A lengthy pause follows, before Lawrence adds on another remark; this one so quiet and intense you can barely believe it coming from him:

"...It was five years ago when Carolina and I had our parents taken from us."

Shifting nervously in your seat, you feel a surge of compassion for the young man, whom only an hour or so ago you confronted and battled in an alley.

"With us as the eldest in the area, Carolina suggested that we band the other abandoned kids together and eke out a life of our own. Though it was difficult, somehow, we scraped by -- gathering leftovers, recycling trash, any odd job we could ever get our hands on to support the children," Lawrence goes on. "But about a year ago Carolina was approached, she told me, by a budding tourism organisation that was looking for young women as tour guides. Since then she's been staying away from here, usually for days on end, before returning with her hair dishevelled, eyebags on her face, and her clothes an absolute mess." Shaking his head at this, Lawrence cracks his knuckles again in his passive frustration. "I suspected something was wrong, but each time I tried to confront her about it she always avoided the issue, and we'd usually end up arguing with no resolution... much like what you saw earlier. A couple of months later we started hearing rumours about Pokémon disappearances after trainers went on a date with an attractive tour guide... and I'm pretty sure you know the rest. No one had any idea it could have been Carolina performing the thefts, but I found her out one night when she returned with spare, occupied PokéBalls by her waist. She's never come back since then.

"As you've noticed, I've attempted to track her down, and convince her to give up the job. But somehow she's picked up the skills of a master thief; maybe even on par with phantom thieves of yore," adds Lawrence. "Though why she's started stealing Pokémon is something I've never managed to figure out. She comes and goes like a wraith; usually her victims don't realise that their Pokémon have gone missing until they're outside Atlas' limits, from what I've heard. And I haven't the slightest idea where she might be taking them... if there is a clue, it probably lies in the city somewhere. But I can't spend long hours away from here, and not every day either -- someone needs to watch over the kids," he sighs.

"I know we didn't come off to a great start, Stark. And I know there's little but my word you have to go by," he addresses you. "But there's little time we can afford. By a few days your Houndour might have been whisked off to another faraway land, or kept locked up somewhere for who knows what nefarious purposes, and Carolina's trail might already be long gone. I need to get to the bottom of this mystery. For everyone's sakes. And I know I can't go this alone."

Looking to you with sincerity and desperation both in his eyes, Lawrence extends a hand to you. It's true that there's still a lot you don't know about the case, and about Lawrence and Carolina, but if you walk out on Lawrence's offer there's little chance of you ever seeing Houndour again...

"You don't have to," Stark responded to the man sincerely. The past few minutes had been full of surprises. From Carolina and Houndour disappearing to Lawrence suddenly becoming a friend and ally. Sure this wasn't the best neighborhood in Atlas, but sometimes people had to live where they could to survive. From the beginning it seemed as though there was something secret going on. The sliding slit in the door with the password to allow entrance almost had him wondering if he was going to some kind of ultra secret card game. Of course nothing could have prepared him for the sight he saw once he entered.

A ragtag group of orphans with their pokemon partners had gathered. The excitement in their eyes at Lawrence's return seemingly giving them hope even in these desolate surroundings. Stark's heart had sank and he almost felt guilty for thinking Lawrence was some kind of thug upon first meeting. The man had obviously gone above and beyond himself to help those who needed help. Something Stark himself had always tried to strive for. He couldn't help, but smile when the children and their pokemon greeted him in unison. "Hello everyone," was all he could say in return even though he had so much more he wanted to say. It was still too much of an emotional impact for him to think straight yet. With a few more minutes he might have come up with something more, but as it was one of the children asked about Carolina and once more Stark felt guilt wash over him as the collective "awws" of disappointment filled the air. Then again, it didn't really last long as Lawrence had basically volunteered him to help them find Carolina again. for a moment Stark had looked at Lawrence with a 'what did you just get me involved in' look, but it quickly changed to a warm smile as the cheers from the kids won him over.

With the children soon busy making dinner of what little they had, Lawrence had lead Stark aside to explain the situation. Still, Stark couldn't keep his eyes from wandering to the food, if one could call it that, being prepared. leftover berries, some half eaten, was not a meal for young children. It wasn't right. Life may not have been fair, but to put children through these kid of circumstances was just cruel. They were fortunate to have Lawrence. That was for certain.

They had entered another room and Lawrence had locked the door behind them and waits for Stark to sit on one of the few pieces of furniture he'd seen in the place. Once the other man had taken a seat he began to explain how Carolina was his sister. How they had moved here years ago with their family only to be pushed out when tourism started to take hold. How his parents had passed away leaving he and Carolina to fend for themselves on the increasingly more dangerous streets of Atlas. How they brought together the younger kids of the city who were alone and created their own family. And finally, how Carolina suddenly changed after going to work for one of the tourist agencies.

There was something disturbing about how abrupt the change in Carolina had been. How could a person that grew up with such compassion suddenly turn her back on everything and everyone she cared about for so long to become a thief? Stark silently cursed himself for falling into her trap. And because of his foolishness, he found himself in a position in which he may never see his beloved Houndour again.

Finding himself back in the present again after sifting through everything that had happened, Stark felt his hands tightening into fists as the frustration of the events finally hit home. He stood up, rubbing his chin with his hand before finally turning around to face Lawrence, "We have to save them. Carolina and my Houndour. I made a date with her for tonight at 8:00 at one of the hotels. If I hurry, I might be able to get there in time. If luck is on our side and I play dumb, I might be able to find out more about what's going on with her. If she doesn't show up I'll hit up the travel agency again. You've said that she baits trainers like myself into traps of battle in order to steal their pokemon so I'll have to be on my guard, but now that I know, maybe I can break the cycle somehow."

Stark reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautiful ocean colored SS Tidal coin case, "You're first priority is to get something good for the kids to eat. Clean them up, whatever it takes. Bring a little hope and joy to them," he reached in and pulled out a pile of coins, "It's not much, but it should help you for a little bit. And I will not take no for an answer on this. Don't let your pride stop you from letting me help you and the kids."

Stark set the 2000 coins on the chair he was sitting on, then looked to the door and back at Lawrence again, "I better get going. I'll be back as soon as I can to let you know what happened."

Food Guy
With Watermelon out for the relevant count and an attack coming straight for him, you quickly retrieve the afflicted Nuzleaf and deploy Dot to do battle in his stead. Spurred on by the urgency in your voice and the situation of her comrade, Dot beats up a Silver Wind from her wings, sending spirals of insectoid zephyrs to meet the Shadow Ball Drowzee grinningly releases. The slicing winds meet the focused bomb of otherworldly air in the middle, cutting into the orb and launching a miniature explosion of furious winds. Taking the chance, Dot valiantly charges into the swirling gasses, her wings shining again with more brimming power, and as you squint into the floating miasma you see a brief storm of glinting particles followed by a yelp from Drowzee.

Almost as soon as the cry is heard, you notice the mists begin to fade -- of sleep, poison, bug and ghost, revealing the eerie purple walls of the third battle chamber, and Dot flitting above the form of the defeated Drowzee. Ahead, a stone slab slides open to show the way ahead, and casting one final look at the alternately coloured Pokémon you join Dot in going down the advancing passage.

A linear charge, lit up by the familiar torches of the Sphinx, soon brings up you the fourth chamber for your riddle, and upon entering the room you notice a rather grumpy-looking Graveler poring over a stone slab.

"You've come, have you?" he says gruffly, briefly glancing at you before returning his attention back to his tablet. "You look like you've done a marathon up Mount Coronet and back, kid. If three riddles is all it takes to wear you out, you might want to consider bailing yourself out now. I hear that victims who fall in the battle sequences end up rather... well, let's just say we couldn't find a small enough sarcophagus to shove them in.

"Just as well you're here, anyway -- I've got your riddle right here, but the blasted thing seems to be broken," Graveler grumbles. "You would have to decipher the Pokémon's identity by the clues describing it left on the stone tablet, but Baltoy and Sableye managed to break the bloomin' thing here and there. As though having to withstand wear and tear for centuries wasn't enough!" huffs the impatient rock.

"Still, if you manage to get the correct answer, the passage should unlock itself. I don't think I need to tell you what'll happen if you don't get this one," he informs, stepping aside to reveal the stone in question. Indeed, in addition to the severe erosion, some of the rock has clearly chipped off in layers and pieces, leaving only the following disjointed words:

Little else remains of the clue for your fourth question, but can you decipher the answer from what's left?

Spurred up, Dot was quick and ruthless in executing her first Silver Wind. Spirals of zephyrs collided with the Shadow Ball that the enemy Drowzee had formed in his hands, cutting through the ball with ease and causing a miniature explosion of wind. Dot took the opportunity to fly into the winds, and as Karmas squinted he saw a small storm of zephyrs, and then a loud yelp from the Drowzee.

As soon as the trainer heard the yelp he noticed that the gas, which comprised of poison, sleeping, bug and ghostly gas, began to clear up, revealing the purple walls of the battle chamber and a triumphant Dot flying above the unmoving form of Drowzee.

"Good job," congratulated Karmas, Dot's second battle a lot better than the first one that she undertook.

The bug gave a big smile before she started to fly down the next passageway. As Karmas walked over to join his pokemon he took one last glance at the shiny Drowzee, and tried to put the fact that he wasn't allowed to catch a shiny pokemon out of his head.

Soon Karmas and Dot ended up in the fourth chamber, this time it was inhabited by a grumpy looking Graveler in front of a stone tablet.

"You've come, have you?" he said gruffly, briefly glancing at Karmas before returning his attention back to his tablet. "You look like you've done a marathon up Mount Coronet and back, kid. If three riddles is all it takes to wear you out, you might want to consider bailing yourself out now. I hear that victims who fall in the battle sequences end up rather... well, let's just say we couldn't find a small enough sarcophagus to shove them in.

"Just as well you're here, anyway -- I've got your riddle right here, but the blasted thing seems to be broken," Graveler grumbled. "You would have to decipher the Pokémon's identity by the clues describing it left on the stone tablet, but Baltoy and Sableye managed to break the bloomin' thing here and there. As though having to withstand wear and tear for centuries wasn't enough!" huffs the impatient rock.

"Still, if you manage to get the correct answer, the passage should unlock itself. I don't think I need to tell you what'll happen if you don't get this one," he informed, stepping aside to reveal the stone in question. Indeed, in addition to the severe erosion, some of the rock has clearly chipped off in layers and pieces, leaving only the following disjointed words:

Stark
Staring at the money you've left on the chair, Lawrence stands to meet your posture, his expression meeting your frown as you make your resolve clear. As his irises veer downwards, you can tell the young man is distinctly struggling -- whether it's from surprise at your gesture, or from going against his assumed principles, you're not sure, but at this point you wouldn't put it past Lawrence if he started to tear up.

"...Alright. I'll see if I can't obtain more substantial staples for the long run," he nods. "You should be heading for your meeting with Carolina, too. I can't promise she'll be there, not after what's happened; there's a good chance she'll be suspicious considering that your Houndour clearly went missing with her... You'll need a map to get back to the city centre, too." Foisting about his grubby pockets, Lawrence produces an equally old-looking piece of paper, though the bulk of the diagrams and text is still legible, and you notice he's marked out a clear path from your current location to the intended destination.

Considering what Lawrence told you, you feel somewhat relieved to find yourself near the entrance of Emporium Hotel without so much as a scratch, watching people move in and out, locals and tourists alike. What concerns you, though, is not only how Carolina isn't amongst the moving crowd, but also the fact that it's an hour past the rendezvous time between you and Carolina. Your heart sinks as you wonder if Lawrence's assumption for the worst has already come true; if it has you know it means only bad news for your chances of locating your kidnapped Pokémon. Feeling urgency, anger and distress surge through you, a decision is hastily made and before you know it you walk through the flow of human traffic, heading towards the glass doors of the hotel.

As you enter the prestigious establishment of temporary lodging, a fresh wave of gently scented air-conditioning greets you before the sight of the richly carpeted main lobby halts a heartbeat from you. Compared to what you've seen in the Marketplace and the rest of Atlas so far, this is a considerable lap of luxury -- furniture fashioned from deep mahogany and polished to a respectable gleam, ornamental decoration in the form of bejewelled, regal artifacts, and a general ambience of homeliness and class amidst intrigue and suggestion stands about you, almost like a dream sequence.

"Stark!" A familiar voice whispers sharply, and turning around you find Lawrence standing behind you. "I've managed to secure some supplies for the children in the night market. It should last them for about half a week or so, and I've securely locked them in... I had a hunch I'd find you in here. I suppose Carolina was nowhere to be seen?" Upon your affirmation, Lawrence sighs, running a hand through his dark hair.

"There's no telling where she might be, though I highly doubt she's out of Atlas... and I can't shake this feeling that there was a reason why she got you to meet her at Emporium specifically. It's not much to go on, but so long as we're here, we could ask around," mutters Lawrence as he ponders. "The receptionists might have something to say, or we could approach the bar on the ground level. It won't be safe or practical to attempt a search through the upper levels at this point."

What will you choose to do?

The Isle of Talas

The Sphinx

Food Guy
Before Graveler can say anything in response, the tablet's letterings appear to take on a glow as you complete your confident query, and even as the three of you watch astounded the words begin to reform in lines of light, scorching back where their respective surfaces had eroded away, finishing the list of descriptions. Further in front you see another stony slab of door slide upwards, releasing a puff of stale air along with the passage ahead.

"Hmmm! Seems that you've got quite the brain after all, it seems," remarks Graveler, sporting a respected smirk this time as his auxiliary hands scratch his chin. "Well, time's a wastin', kiddo. Your next opponent awaits you!"

Wrapping his limbs about him, Graveler trundles about the tablet, disappearing into the darkness where you know you won't be seeing him for quite a while. Thrilled to continue, Dot follows the Rock-type into the passage with you alongside her, through another tunnel of self-lighting torches and intricate hieroglyphs. What you don't expect at the end of this line, though, is for the next battle chamber to not only have a floor lined with grass, but also to have several trees dotted around the area -- a rather stark impossibility, considering the conditions underground and apparent void of ample sunlight. As you're mulling this peculiarity over, however, you soon find that your presence has not gone unnoticed...

"Bell. Belel." Hopping over with its mouth drooling even as it goes, a wide-eyed Weepinbell heads for you, eager to kick off your fourth battle. What will you do now?

Food Guy
Before Graveler can say anything in response, the tablet's letterings appear to take on a glow as you complete your confident query, and even as the three of you watch astounded the words begin to reform in lines of light, scorching back where their respective surfaces had eroded away, finishing the list of descriptions. Further in front you see another stony slab of door slide upwards, releasing a puff of stale air along with the passage ahead.

"Hmmm! Seems that you've got quite the brain after all, it seems," remarks Graveler, sporting a respected smirk this time as his auxiliary hands scratch his chin. "Well, time's a wastin', kiddo. Your next opponent awaits you!"

Wrapping his limbs about him, Graveler trundles about the tablet, disappearing into the darkness where you know you won't be seeing him for quite a while. Thrilled to continue, Dot follows the Rock-type into the passage with you alongside her, through another tunnel of self-lighting torches and intricate hieroglyphs. What you don't expect at the end of this line, though, is for the next battle chamber to not only have a floor lined with grass, but also to have several trees dotted around the area -- a rather stark impossibility, considering the conditions underground and apparent void of ample sunlight. As you're mulling this peculiarity over, however, you soon find that your presence has not gone unnoticed...

"Bell. Belel." Hopping over with its mouth drooling even as it goes, a wide-eyed Weepinbell heads for you, eager to kick off your fourth battle. What will you do now?

Before it was possible for Graveler could say anything, the letters upon the tablet began to glow. Karmas and the two pokemon watched in astonishment as the glowing words began to reform on the tablet in magnificent lines of light. One by one the words were scorched back onto the tablet, finishing the list of descriptions. Further in front of the trio, yet another stone slab door opened up, not only showing the passage ahead, but also letting out a puff of stale air.

"Hmmm! Seems that you've got quite the brain after all, it seems," remarked Graveler, sporting a respected smirk this time as his auxiliary hands scratch his chin. "Well, time's a wastin', kiddo. Your next opponent awaits you!"

Wrapping his limbs around himself, the Graveler disappeared into the darkness, Karmas uncertain that they would ever see him again. While the trainer was a but hesitant to enter the darkness, Dot was ecstatic about continuing on, quickly flying into the passage. Once again as Karmas walked down the passage way the torches light themselves up and there was the same stuff on the walls. But what Karmas didn't expect was that at the end of the passage was that the battle chamber would have grass growing on the floor and several trees dotted around it.

Trees, and grass! thought Karmas That isn't possible! How does fresh air get down here? And there is no sun?

As Karmas pondered over how this field could exist, he saw something out of the corner of his eye.

"Bell. Belel." Hopping over with its mouth drooling even as it goes, a wide-eyed Weepinbell headed for Karmas, eager to kick off his fourth battle.

Karmas looked at Dot and motioned towards the Weepingbell. Dot nodded and flew out to confront the grass type.

"Okay Dot, lets do this. Start off by using Safeguard, then use a Silver Wind. If it uses an attack that you don't think you can handle, use Detect. If not use Psybeam!" ordered Karmas.

Food Guy
Flitting about Weepinbell as it stares back at her with seemingly aimless eyes, your Ledian begins with a show of her naturally defensive powers, glinting all over in a spherical shield of Safeguard to protect her from nasty status effects. What neither of you expects, though, is for Weepinbell to loll backwards with its mouth closed, before hocking a putrid mass of sludge at Dot, coating her in the thoroughly disgusting muck. As the tingling Gastro Acid drips off Dot, the ladybird can't help but shudder while the vile chemicals ooze against her skin, but other than trauma you notice that actual damage doesn't seem to have been inflicted on Dot. Shaking herself dry Dot fires a furious Silver Wind towards Weepinbell; the sharp zephyrs battering against its wobbling botanic form, causing it to tumble back slightly.

Wobbling back to face its opponent, Weepinbell suddenly extends the hook-like vine atop its head, but instead of attacking Weepinbell ends up curling its botanic appendage to Tickle Dot under her wings, much to your surprise and Dot's unwitting laughter. Still, as her physical aspects are slightly compromised, she still manages to gather some of her mental ability into her antennae; the resulting accumulation blasting outward in the form of a Psybeam, nailing Weepinbell right in the middle of its eyes. The impact of this attack sends Weepinbell reeling properly this time, but not before its Vine recoils in a Whipping motion, scoring a faint slice of sharp pain against the side of Dot's head, which she massages ruefully before glaring back her foe. The game is starting to rise to another level...

Food Guy
Flitting about Weepinbell as it stares back at her with seemingly aimless eyes, your Ledian begins with a show of her naturally defensive powers, glinting all over in a spherical shield of Safeguard to protect her from nasty status effects. What neither of you expects, though, is for Weepinbell to loll backwards with its mouth closed, before hocking a putrid mass of sludge at Dot, coating her in the thoroughly disgusting muck. As the tingling Gastro Acid drips off Dot, the ladybird can't help but shudder while the vile chemicals ooze against her skin, but other than trauma you notice that actual damage doesn't seem to have been inflicted on Dot. Shaking herself dry Dot fires a furious Silver Wind towards Weepinbell; the sharp zephyrs battering against its wobbling botanic form, causing it to tumble back slightly.

Wobbling back to face its opponent, Weepinbell suddenly extends the hook-like vine atop its head, but instead of attacking Weepinbell ends up curling its botanic appendage to Tickle Dot under her wings, much to your surprise and Dot's unwitting laughter. Still, as her physical aspects are slightly compromised, she still manages to gather some of her mental ability into her antennae; the resulting accumulation blasting outward in the form of a Psybeam, nailing Weepinbell right in the middle of its eyes. The impact of this attack sends Weepinbell reeling properly this time, but not before its Vine recoils in a Whipping motion, scoring a faint slice of sharp pain against the side of Dot's head, which she massages ruefully before glaring back her foe. The game is starting to rise to another level...

As Weepinbell looked at Dot with vacant-looking eyes, the ladybug demonstrated her defensive abilities by firing up her Safeguard, creating a glinting shield to protect herself from status effects. What neither Karmas or Dot expected for Weepinbell to do was for it to hock up a huge mass of sludge at Dot. As the Gastro Acid dripped off of Dot, she shuddered, but apart from that Karmas couldn't see any signs of actual damage. However, Dot didn't exactly like being covered in acid, which mad her use her Silver Wind with a bit more ferocity than she normally would have. The zephyrs burst from Dot and slammed into Weepinbell's wobbling body, making it tumble back slightly.

As it wobbled so it could face Dot, Weepinbell extended the hook on top of its head, but instead of attacking, like one would think it would, instead it started to Tickle Dot underneath her wings, which surprised Karmas and the now laughing Dot. Even though she was laughing and therefore slightly compromised at the moment, Dot managed to focus some of her mental energy into her antennae, promptly sending out a Psybeam which hit Weepinbell right between the eyes. Weepinbell was sent reeling, but not before its Vine recoiled in a Whipping motion, leaving a slice of sharp pain on the side of Dot's head. The Ledian massaged the side of her face before she glared ruefully at Weepinbell, a sign that she was started to get more than a tad bit annoyed.

"Don't worry Dot!" called out Karmas, "Whatever that Weepinbell chucks at you, won't be enough to get the better of you!"

Dot turned towards her trainer and nodded her head, a sign that she already knew that.

"Well then start off with a Supersonic, then use Silver Wind and finish it up with a Comet Punch!" ordered Karmas.

Food Guy
Glaring at Weepinbell as she pants, Dot performs an aerial swoop above the carnivorous flower; her wings beating up a Supersonic sound wave as you cover your ears in self-protection. As the high-pitched oscillations echo through the chamber, you notice Weepinbell's eyes start to move about erratically, yet somehow still maintaining its considerably dull expression. Mulling over its mental state, Weepinbell pauses long enough for Dot to fling over another set of Silver Wind spirals, which buffet about the dizzy plant without much other effect. Lumbering, Weepinbell appears to belch out a cloud of yellowish powder, but as the Stun Spore wafts over to Dot the barrier of Safeguard from earlier kicks in, preventing the paralytic particles from doing their work.

Diving through the dissipating cloud of spores, Dot goes back to work with a Comet Punch ready and waiting, slamming into Weepinbell as she rams her fists against the bulbous creature, but her weakened blows indicate that Weepinbell's earlier Tickle clearly had some effect on her strength. As you think this over, Dot's surprised squeals alerts your attention to Weepinbell's extended vine now Wrapping about her limbs; the confusion having apparently been beaten out of the dozy flytrapper. Struggling against her restraints Dot tries her best to free herself, but her weakened status of compromised physicality and consecutive battles, in addition to her thorough bindings, are rendering her incapable of freeing herself. Unless you look for another alternative Dot might soon have the very life squeezed out of her...

Stark
Staring at the money you've left on the chair, Lawrence stands to meet your posture, his expression meeting your frown as you make your resolve clear. As his irises veer downwards, you can tell the young man is distinctly struggling -- whether it's from surprise at your gesture, or from going against his assumed principles, you're not sure, but at this point you wouldn't put it past Lawrence if he started to tear up.

"...Alright. I'll see if I can't obtain more substantial staples for the long run," he nods. "You should be heading for your meeting with Carolina, too. I can't promise she'll be there, not after what's happened; there's a good chance she'll be suspicious considering that your Houndour clearly went missing with her... You'll need a map to get back to the city centre, too." Foisting about his grubby pockets, Lawrence produces an equally old-looking piece of paper, though the bulk of the diagrams and text is still legible, and you notice he's marked out a clear path from your current location to the intended destination.

Considering what Lawrence told you, you feel somewhat relieved to find yourself near the entrance of Emporium Hotel without so much as a scratch, watching people move in and out, locals and tourists alike. What concerns you, though, is not only how Carolina isn't amongst the moving crowd, but also the fact that it's an hour past the rendezvous time between you and Carolina. Your heart sinks as you wonder if Lawrence's assumption for the worst has already come true; if it has you know it means only bad news for your chances of locating your kidnapped Pokémon. Feeling urgency, anger and distress surge through you, a decision is hastily made and before you know it you walk through the flow of human traffic, heading towards the glass doors of the hotel.

As you enter the prestigious establishment of temporary lodging, a fresh wave of gently scented air-conditioning greets you before the sight of the richly carpeted main lobby halts a heartbeat from you. Compared to what you've seen in the Marketplace and the rest of Atlas so far, this is a considerable lap of luxury -- furniture fashioned from deep mahogany and polished to a respectable gleam, ornamental decoration in the form of bejewelled, regal artifacts, and a general ambience of homeliness and class amidst intrigue and suggestion stands about you, almost like a dream sequence.

"Stark!" A familiar voice whispers sharply, and turning around you find Lawrence standing behind you. "I've managed to secure some supplies for the children in the night market. It should last them for about half a week or so, and I've securely locked them in... I had a hunch I'd find you in here. I suppose Carolina was nowhere to be seen?" Upon your affirmation, Lawrence sighs, running a hand through his dark hair.

"There's no telling where she might be, though I highly doubt she's out of Atlas... and I can't shake this feeling that there was a reason why she got you to meet her at Emporium specifically. It's not much to go on, but so long as we're here, we could ask around," mutters Lawrence as he ponders. "The receptionists might have something to say, or we could approach the bar on the ground level. It won't be safe or practical to attempt a search through the upper levels at this point."

What will you choose to do?

"I didn't exactly bring a fedora, but if we're going to do some investigating, I suppose we could start with the closest source of information," Stark replied. To be honest he was a little surprised that Lawrence had come. Then again, for everything Lawrence had invested in getting his sister back, one couldn't really blame him. It was just unfortunate that Carolina hadn't shown up for the 'date'. Not that it was going to be much of a date considering what had happened. The thought that Stark might just be a magnet for 'crazy women' didn't escape his notice either. Especially considering the way some of his past encounters with members of the fairer sex had played out.

All in all the Emporium was a far cry from the slums of Atlas. Money and elegance wrapped up in a nice shiny lobby for the tourists hiding the seedier parts of the city. Normally, Stark would have found himself in awe of the hotel. However, after seeing how Lawrence and the other kids lived he just couldn't feel comfortable regardless of having already spent a good hour or more sitting around waiting. In a way Lawrence showing up was just the kind of sign he needed to find a direction to go. Had he not shown up, Stark most assuredly would have went to the place he first met Carolina only meet another dead end. At least this way, he would actually feel like he was doing something, even if it didn't produce any positive results.

"I'll go talk to the receptionist, maybe rent a room for the night for us to use if need be. You should probably try to keep a low profile, just in case Carolina does decide to show up. We wouldn't want her to see you and run off before we get a chance get to the bottom of this," Stark said to his new compatriot, "If I can't get a bearing out of the receptionist we'll head over to the bar and hit up the bartender for some info and maybe even a drink."

With that said Stark walked over to the receptionist, grabbed a few coins out of his SS Tidal coin case, and lay his arms cross-wise on the counter leaning in slightly. Smiling he said, "Excuse me. My name is Stark and I was planning to check in when I got a little distracted earlier this evening. Anyway, I was supposed to meet a girl here. A beautiful girl. You couldn't miss her. Anyway, I was wondering if maybe she might have left a message for me. Her name is Carolina. Maybe you know her." Stark flashed the small handful of coins at the receptionist just long enough for them to see them as he finished his sentence hoping that money was as good a motivating factor in this hotel as it seemed to be in many other hotels he had visited in the past.

Stark
Dressed in a sleek black uniform with gold highlights along the collar and cuffs, the receptionist listens to your queries with an attentive smile -- or it might have been part of her job scope; you can't tell. Her expression appears benign enough, but when you notice that your trick with coins fails to bring out any change in her composure you almost start wondering if this girl is even human.

"Carolina? I'm sorry, sir; none of the ladies who works here goes by the name of Carolina," she answers politely. "Could you describe the lady in question with more detail?"

Briefly you spend the next minute describing Carolina's appearance, trying to recall from your memory as much as possible, with Lawrence filling in some of the gaps that you fail to notice.

"...I'm afraid I can't help you, kind sirs. This is the first time I've heard of this Carolina person," says the receptionist, and by this time her unchanging countenance is starting to unnerve you slightly. "Perhaps you'd like to make a reservation and begin your search tomorrow? All sorts of people come by the Emporium Hotel and the city of Atlas."

"Thanks, but not for now," Lawrence cuts in, catching your shoulder before giving you a short, firm tug away from the counter; clearly annoyed by the sheer lack of help the receptionist offered. "Looks like we'll need to hit the bar," he mutters such that only you are within relevant earshot, "And I can't say I like having to handle with bar-types. You never know what might happen when people have a drop too much."

At this, you note that the young man seems somewhat bitter, but considering his experience with the darker sides of Atlas it's possibly not so surprising. A pair of obsidian statues, in the form of regally-sculpted Persian, stand guard in front of the doorway leading into the bar: a little watering hole nestled in the far corner of the ground level. Traditional torches burning with mildly fragrant incense line the walls, and multi-coloured smoke lit by modern disco lights slowly wafts out into the hall before dissipating, and customers sit around the various round tables, talking and drinking their troubles and weariness away.

"Come on." Beckoning at you with a look of caution, Lawrence leads you past the statues into the dreamy darkness, headed straight for the bar where a surly-looking bartender awaits. Mindless giggles and raucous laughter interjects into the air at brief intervals, and somehow you start thinking to yourself that the less time you spend in here, the better.

"Ah, customers!" grunts the balding, stubbled bartender, noting you as the two of you sit on adjacent swiveling chairs. "What'll it be, gentlemen?"

Stark
Dressed in a sleek black uniform with gold highlights along the collar and cuffs, the receptionist listens to your queries with an attentive smile -- or it might have been part of her job scope; you can't tell. Her expression appears benign enough, but when you notice that your trick with coins fails to bring out any change in her composure you almost start wondering if this girl is even human.

"Carolina? I'm sorry, sir; none of the ladies who works here goes by the name of Carolina," she answers politely. "Could you describe the lady in question with more detail?"

Briefly you spend the next minute describing Carolina's appearance, trying to recall from your memory as much as possible, with Lawrence filling in some of the gaps that you fail to notice.

"...I'm afraid I can't help you, kind sirs. This is the first time I've heard of this Carolina person," says the receptionist, and by this time her unchanging countenance is starting to unnerve you slightly. "Perhaps you'd like to make a reservation and begin your search tomorrow? All sorts of people come by the Emporium Hotel and the city of Atlas."

"Thanks, but not for now," Lawrence cuts in, catching your shoulder before giving you a short, firm tug away from the counter; clearly annoyed by the sheer lack of help the receptionist offered. "Looks like we'll need to hit the bar," he mutters such that only you are within relevant earshot, "And I can't say I like having to handle with bar-types. You never know what might happen when people have a drop too much."

At this, you note that the young man seems somewhat bitter, but considering his experience with the darker sides of Atlas it's possibly not so surprising. A pair of obsidian statues, in the form of regally-sculpted Persian, stand guard in front of the doorway leading into the bar: a little watering hole nestled in the far corner of the ground level. Traditional torches burning with mildly fragrant incense line the walls, and multi-coloured smoke lit by modern disco lights slowly wafts out into the hall before dissipating, and customers sit around the various round tables, talking and drinking their troubles and weariness away.

"Come on." Beckoning at you with a look of caution, Lawrence leads you past the statues into the dreamy darkness, headed straight for the bar where a surly-looking bartender awaits. Mindless giggles and raucous laughter interjects into the air at brief intervals, and somehow you start thinking to yourself that the less time you spend in here, the better.

"Ah, customers!" grunts the balding, stubbled bartender, noting you as the two of you sit on adjacent swiveling chairs. "What'll it be, gentlemen?"

"Well normally I'd go with rum, but since we're new here why not try the house specialty? So let's go with bartender's choice," Stark replied to the balding man. The frustration of getting no where with the receptionist was not lost on him. However, the way that Lawrence had lost his temper concerned him a little. His hot headedness was bound to burn them down the road if they didn't find a way to keep it in check. Afterall, that was part of the reason he first battled Lawrence. Had the man been calm, rational, and talked about it, they probably could have avoided their current predicament.

For a hotel bar, the place had a far more dangerous feel to it than he had expected. Not that it was a bad thing. Typically, it meant that the people in the place were the type to pay attention to what was going on around them as opposed to just letting life pass them by while they walked around in their own little world. With a few choice words they might be able to find the information they were looking for. Of course, figuring out those few choice words was another matter entirely considering their failure with the receptionist.

"I can't believe she still hasn't shown up," Stark said just loud enough to be overheard by most of the patrons as he gave Lawrence a quick wink to let him know he was looking to get some kind of rise out of someone, "It's dangerous out there at night. You don't think something might have happened to her? No. It couldn't have. She's not that careless."

"Hey bartender!" he called out to the man behind the bar, "My girlfriend didn't happen to stop in here earlier did she? Oh wait. You probably wouldn't know who she was unless I described her. Sorry about that. I'm just really starting to get worried, ya know. I mean she's all alone and an hour late now. Maybe you've seen her. She's beautiful. And I mean knockout beautiful with soft olive skin and long raven hair. Her name's Carolina."

Food Guy
Glaring at Weepinbell as she pants, Dot performs an aerial swoop above the carnivorous flower; her wings beating up a Supersonic sound wave as you cover your ears in self-protection. As the high-pitched oscillations echo through the chamber, you notice Weepinbell's eyes start to move about erratically, yet somehow still maintaining its considerably dull expression. Mulling over its mental state, Weepinbell pauses long enough for Dot to fling over another set of Silver Wind spirals, which buffet about the dizzy plant without much other effect. Lumbering, Weepinbell appears to belch out a cloud of yellowish powder, but as the Stun Spore wafts over to Dot the barrier of Safeguard from earlier kicks in, preventing the paralytic particles from doing their work.

Diving through the dissipating cloud of spores, Dot goes back to work with a Comet Punch ready and waiting, slamming into Weepinbell as she rams her fists against the bulbous creature, but her weakened blows indicate that Weepinbell's earlier Tickle clearly had some effect on her strength. As you think this over, Dot's surprised squeals alerts your attention to Weepinbell's extended vine now Wrapping about her limbs; the confusion having apparently been beaten out of the dozy flytrapper. Struggling against her restraints Dot tries her best to free herself, but her weakened status of compromised physicality and consecutive battles, in addition to her thorough bindings, are rendering her incapable of freeing herself. Unless you look for another alternative Dot might soon have the very life squeezed out of her...

As she panted and glared at the same time, Dot swooped above Weepinbell; her beating wings creating a Supersonic while Karmas covered his ears for protection. As it echoed through the chamber Karmas noticed that Weepinbell's eyes were starting to move around erratically, yet it still managed to keep the blank look on its face. As Weepinbell mulled over its state of confusion, Dot was able to let loose with a Silver Wind, the zephyrs buffeting the grass-type pokemon. Weepinbell belched out a cloud of yellow powder, but the Stun Powder simply wafted over Dot, who was being kept safe by her Safeguard.

Dot dived through the cloud, her Comet Punch ready. Dot slammed into Weepinbell as she laid into it with her fists, but her weak blows indicated that the Tickle had done its job. Karmas thought about this for a moment, but his attention was taken by Dot when she let out a squeal. When Karmas looked he saw that Weepinbell had been able to Wrap up Dot with its vine. Dot tried to free herself from her restraints, but in her weakened state from previous battles and attacks, she was unable to. Karmas had to find a way to get her out, any way would do for him.

Oh, no thought Karmas What am I going to do?

He glanced at Dot, who was still fighting against the Weepinbell's vine, even though it was pointless.

Her arms are completely useless, and she doesn't know any moves that she can use with feet pondered the trainer Which just leaves her mouth.

"Wait a minute!" suddenly cried out Karmas. "Dot, use Bug Bite. If that frees you, use a Psybeam and then Silver Wind. If not use another Bug Bite and just Psybeam!"